How to Pair Wine and Beer With Gumbo
There's a right and wrong way to drink with gumbo — here's what to know.
Gumbo brings together so many different flavors, from dark, rich roux to vegetal okra and green peppers, to tangy tomatoes. And that's not to mention spicy sausage and seafood. When pairing wine with gumbo, you'll want to think about the main ingredients as well as the heat level to get to the best match. There are some important things to keep in mind when pairing wine with, say, a seafood gumbo, since there are many layered elements in the dish, and traditional protein and wine pairings may not work here.
How to pair wine with seafood gumbo
Shellfish and zippy white wines are usually a straightfoward pairing, but that's not the case with gumbo. Because of the stew's richness, you'll want to choose whites with some body and texture. Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley in France (places like Vouvray or Savennières, in particular) is a good option because it tends to have honeyed stone-fruit flavors and an almost oily texture. Plus, you can often find both dry and off-dry versions. For spicier gumbos, go with Chenin Blancs that have some sweetness.
Related: Tiffany Derry’s Satisfying Seafood Gumbo Is a Family Heirloom
How to pair wine with chicken gumbo
Assuming your gumbo is meaty but not too spicy, you can opt for juicy, low-tannin reds. Lightly chilled cru Beaujolais from places like Brouilly or Chiroubles are good options. Another fun choice: Garnacha (the local name for Grenache) from Spain.
Related: Chicken and Okra Gumbo
How to pair wine with a very spicy gumbo
While off-dry white wines like Chenin Blanc or Riesling, will work well with spicy gumbo, there are times when beer is best. If your gumbo has a lot of Andouille (the smoky, spicy sausage) or chile heat, skip the wine and opt for a pale ale. The slight fizz and malty notes from the beer will help cool down the palate. And, of course, beer and sausage are a natural pairing — you can't go wrong with a light, crisp beer here.
Related: Chicken, Shrimp and Andouille Gumbo
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