The aperitif dinner is a convivial moment in which wine plays a key role. Choosing the right aperitif wine balances flavors and delights guests. Whether you prefer a crisp white, a light red or a festive sparkling wine, there's a wine for every dish. Discover the best aperitif wine pairings and find your ideal aperitif wine choice.
How do you choose an aperitif wine?
A good aperitif wine should be :
- Balanced: It should not overpower the flavors of the dishes.
- Versatile: goes well with many types of appetizer.
- Light in alcohol: To keep the meal light.
Aperitif food and wine pairings are based on freshness, acidity and aromatic intensity.
White wines: fresh and lively
1. Sauvignon Blanc: a safe choice
This grape variety is an ideal aperitif starter.
- Caractéristiques: Dry, lively, with notes of citrus and exotic fruit.
- Perfect with: Fish tartars, fresh cheeses, crunchy vegetables.
2. Unwooded Chardonnay: elegance and balance
A young Chardonnay, not aged in oak, is perfect.
- Caractéristiques: Aromas of apple, pear, floral notes.
- Perfect with: Salmon toast, shrimp, cheese gougères.
3. Riesling: minerality and tension
A dry German or Alsatian Riesling brings a nice freshness.
- Characteristics: Marked acidity, lemony, mineral notes.
- Ideal with: Seafood, sushi, fine charcuterie.
Light red wines: supple and delicious
1. Pinot Noir: finesse and lightness
A fruity red with little tannin is ideal for an aperitif.
- Caractéristiques: Aromas of cherry, raspberry, sweet spices.
- Ideal with: Cured ham, terrines, grilled vegetable brochettes.
2. Gamay: greedy and accessible
Beaujolais and Gamay from the Loire are perfect for an aperitif.
- Caractéristiques: Freshness, notes of red berries.
- Ideal with: Tapenade, rillettes, mild cheeses.
3. Cinsault: a perfect summer red
This Mediterranean variety produces supple, fruity red wines.
- Caractéristiques: Light, floral and spicy notes.
- Ideal with: Hummus, grilled meats, pickled peppers.
Rosé wines: conviviality and balance
1. Côtes de Provence: the must-have
A dry rosé is a sure bet for a summer aperitif.
- Caractéristiques: Fresh, red fruit and citrus aromas.
- Perfect with: cold meats, bruschettas, vegetable dips.
2. Tavel: a more structured rosé
This powerful rosé can even accompany richer dishes.
- Caractéristiques: Deep color, notes of strawberry and spices.
- Ideal with: Grilled meats, mature cheeses, spicy dishes.
Sparkling wines: a must for aperitifs
1. Champagne brut: an elegant classic
A non-dosed brut Champagne enhances the flavours of the amuse-bouches.
- Caractéristiques: Fine bubbles, brioche and white fruit aromas.
- Perfect with: oysters, foie gras, caviar toast.
2. Crémant d'Alsace: a refined alternative
Less expensive than Champagne, it offers excellent quality.
- Caractéristiques: Floral notes, delicate bubbles.
- Ideal with: Cheese puff pastries, seafood.
3. Prosecco: lightness and freshness
This Italian sparkling wine is perfect for a festive aperitif.
- Caractéristiques: Fruity, with notes of apple and pear.
- Perfect with: Olives, antipasti, tapas.
Aperitif food and wine pairings by dish
1. Cured meats and terrines
- Dry white wine: Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc.
- Light red wine: Pinot Noir, Gamay.
2. Seafood and fish
- Bright white wine: Muscadet, Chablis.
- Sparkling wine: Champagne, Crémant.
3. Cheeses
- Aromatic white wine: Viognier, Gewurztraminer.
- Light red wine: Gamay, Cinsault.
4. Spicy appetizers
- Powerful rosé wine: Tavel, Bandol.
- Sweet white wine: Chenin demi-sec.
Trends and novelties for aperitif wines
- Natural wines: Very much in vogue, they seduce with their authenticity.
- Orange wines: Their long maceration gives them an interesting tannic profile.
- Natural sparkling wines ("Pét-Nat"): An original alternative to Champagne.
How to choose the right wine for an aperitif dinner?
- Choose versatile wines capable of accompanying several types of food.
- Opt for fresh, easily digestible wines to avoid weighing down the palate.
- Offer several options: a white, a light red and a sparkling wine.
Conclusion: the perfect wine for every aperitif
Whether you opt for a white, red, rosé or sparkling aperitif wine, the key is to match your choice of aperitif wine to the food on offer. By respecting food and wine pairings, you can guarantee a balanced and tasty tasting experience.
If you enjoyed this article, you may also be interested in "Les vins pétillants naturels: tendance et dégustation" ("Natural sparkling wines: trends and tasting").
