I feel like you can almost just look at this seafood dish and know it would be great with a white wine like the Cullen Sauvignon Blanc Semillon. The winery is located in Australia’s Margaret River region. Though many people first think Shiraz when it comes to Aussie wine, there is an astonishing diversity of wine produced throughout the country. I’d like to sing the praises of the white wines from this region. The Chardonnays are absolutely gorgeous, but I want to focus on the Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon (“SBS”) blends, reminiscent of the white wines from Bordeaux.
In these SBS wines, the Sauvignon Blanc adds freshness and lightness, while the Semillon contributes a little color and weight. It also tames the wildness of the Sauv Blanc, softens its rough edges. The dish I had with it was Whiting With Quinoa, Preserved Lemons, Almonds, Snake Beans, and Lemon Beurre Blanc. With the nuttiness of the quinoa adding to the (uh, nutty) almonds and the rich beurre blanc sauce, the extra heft from the Semillon came in handy.
Honorable mention to the ultra-fresh garden salad. The generous application of avocado was the difference-maker in achieving a perfect pairing with the Cullen SBS.
So based on my description, what dish would you make (or order) to go with this wine?
