Here’s our guide to pairing five of our wines with soups that bring out the best in both.
Pairing 01
1. 2021 South Africa Cabernet Sauvignon — French Onion Soup
Caramelized onions, savory beef broth, and melted Gruyère create a rich, umami-forward bowl that mirrors the Cabernet’s structure. The wine’s notes of black plum, crushed violets, and subtle tobacco are perfectly highlighted by the roasted, earthy flavors of this classic soup.
Pairing Tip: Serve with crusty bread and a sprinkle of fresh thyme.
Pairing 02
2. 2024 Texas Picpoul Blanc — Lemon Chicken & Orzo Soup
Picpoul Blanc is bright, racy, and aromatic, with tangerine and apricot notes that shine alongside citrus-forward soups. A light chicken and orzo soup, finished with fresh herbs, complements the wine’s crisp acidity and floral elegance without overpowering its delicate profile.
Pairing Tip: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon to lift the flavors even more.
Pairing 03
3. 2023 Texas Sangiovese — Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
The medium-bodied, high-acid Sangiovese thrives with tomato-based soups. Roasting the tomatoes enhances their sweetness and depth, echoing the wine’s confit tomato and sequoia cherry flavors. A touch of roasted basil adds herbal sophistication to this classic winter pairing.
Pairing Tip: Drizzle a bit of extra-virgin olive oil before serving to enrich the experience.
Pairing 04
4. 2021 South African Renoster — Spiced Sweet Potato or Pumpkin Soup
Rich and slightly sweet, this fortified-style wine pairs beautifully with earthy, spiced soups. The notes of dark raisins, prune, and coffee in the wine harmonize with the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple in your favorite sweet potato or pumpkin soup.
Pairing Tip: Serve with a dollop of crème fraîche or a sprinkling of toasted hazelnuts.
Pairing 05
5. 2024 Texas Duocorn White Blend — Miso Soup with Tofu and Mushrooms
Duocorn’s joyful off-dry sweetness, layered florals, and tropical fruit notes make it an ideal match for umami-rich soups. A light miso broth with silken tofu and earthy mushrooms highlights the wine’s citrus, peach, and subtle spice without overwhelming its buoyant acidity.
Pairing Tip: Garnish with scallions or a few drops of sesame oil to elevate the flavors.
Winter Pairing Tip
When pairing wine and soup in winter:
- Match the weight of the wine to the body of the soup. Light wines with light broths, richer wines with hearty or roasted soups.
- Consider aromatic echoes — herbs, spice, or citrus in the soup can highlight similar notes in the wine.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with contrast, like a crisp, citrusy white with a subtly spicy soup — it brightens the palate.
Warm your winter with a bowl of comfort, a glass of wine, and the knowledge that each sip supports something bigger. Cheers!
