Mardi Gras is a day to rejoice even if there is no procession. In truth, it’s simple to throw a Mardi Gras party at home that reflects New Orleans’ rich culinary traditions.
Cajun food has known for its spicy flavors and covered sauces. When you combine traditional Mardi Gras foods with the proper glass of wine, you’ve got yourself a party.
We’re kicking things up a notch this week by sharing a wine pairing guide for our favorite Louisiana Creole and Cajun cuisine. Allow the good times to roll! Therefore, before you look for an engraved red wine bottle, let’s begin!
Tips for Cajun & Creole Pairings
Cajun & Creole cuisine is often spicy, even though they are prepared in various ways. Regardless of the type of protein, you should consider the amount of heat. This is when selecting a wine to avoid setting your palate on fire.
Generally, when it comes to Cajun and Creole meals, an aromatic low-ABV white wine or rosé is a safe bet. Now, this doesn’t mean that you can’t pop open a bottle of red. Choose a light- to medium-bodied variety with gentle tannins, such as Pinot Noir, Beaujolais, or Malbec.
Wine & Cajun with Creole Pairings
Gumbo
Gumbo is a traditional Cajun meal made with sausage, shrimp, or chicken. This strong-flavored soup goes nicely with a light and crisp white wine, Sauvignon Blanc or Albario.
Red wine enthusiasts might choose a low-tannin red wine such as Pinot Noir. If it is about to dessert, your wine should always be sweeter than your sweet treat.
Cajun Catfish or Shrimp Creole
White wine is your best pick when something comes to grilled or smothered seafood meals. Pair with an aromatic, somewhat sweet white wine like Riesling or Gewürztraminer. Or, you can get a dry, light-bodied wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
Red Beans & Rice
The Creole classic is currently a popular dish at many Louisiana restaurants. Its meal works nicely with a medium-bodied white wine like Gewürztraminer or Chardonnay. Or, this is a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais.
And it has sometimes slathered in hot sauce and imbued with the rich taste of a ham bone or smoked sausage. Remember that this isn’t usually a vegetarian dish.
Crawfish Boil
A crawfish boil is a fantastic pleasure on a sweltering Louisiana spring day. While you may believe that a boiling kettle of corn, potatoes, and spicy crawfish necessitates an ice-cold beer, certain wines are just as pleasant.
The key is to choose a light-bodied wine that can be chilled. Choose a sparkling wine such as Prosecco, sparkling rosé, or off-dry Riesling.
King Cake
Lastly, a Mardi Gras party would be incomplete without a king cake. This delicious brioche cake goes nicely with a sweet sparkling wine. It includes Moscato d’Asti, or sweet white wine, such as Moscato. In this case, you can Google “wine bottle engraving near me” in order to engrave your wine bottle for the party.
If you choose another sparkling wine, seek the words “demi-sec” or “doux” (meaning sweet) on the label and avoid anything labeled “brut” (meaning very dry). If it is about to dessert, your wine should always be sweeter than your sweet treat.
