Venison Wellington paired with Chianti Classico
Welcome to January. Here in Ireland, it feels cold, dark and wet during the early months of the year. But that does not mean we cannot enjoy delicious food and wine. This month, our Head Sommelier, Andrzej has chosen to pair our Venison Wellington dish with Chianti Classico.
A little about Chianti Classico
The grapes harvested for Chianti Classico are from the best vineyards of the region.
Chianti Classico is one of the most excellent wines in the world. It complies with strict standards that protect and guarantee its quality.
Like most refined wines, Chianti derives its name from its producing region. The Chianti region is in Tuscany. Tuscany is a region associated with romance. It is located in central Italy which is well-known for its sweeping landscapes, burning hot sun and its wealth of art and food history. We also enjoy delicious olive oil from the same region.
What makes Chianti Classico Famous over other Chianti?
This elegant Italian Tuscan wine compliments the venison’s lean velvety texture. It balances well with the mushrooms and delicate puff pastry due to its vibrant acidity, and substantial tannins.
There are two versions of Chianti, Chianti and Chianti Classico. Chianti Classico is considered more refined and higher end than Chianti. The grapes harvested for Chianti Classico are from the best vineyards of the region. You will recognise Chianti Classico by its pink label with a black rooster.
Chianti Classico labels have a pink label with a black rooster.
Classico wine respects specific rules. Its blend is 80% of Sangiovese, (the red grape typical of this area) and 20% of other grapes (native grapes such as Canaiolo and Colorino), as well as different international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Its characteristics are a limpid ruby red colour, floral notes for its odour and a harmonious, dry and sapid flavour with a reasonable level of tannin. The minimum alcohol level should be 12 degrees.
Chianti & Venison Wine Pairing
Andrzej explains why Chianti Classico is the perfect pairing for venison.
“This majestic ruby red wine with loads of traditional Italian cherry flavour is the perfect pairing for our divine Venison Wellington.
This elegant Italian Tuscan wine compliments the venison’s lean velvety texture. It balances well with the mushrooms and delicate puff pastry due to its vibrant acidity, and substantial tannins. With this wine, you will enjoy the abundant aromas of violets, cherries, plums with a hint of earthy spice and dried herbs.”
Enjoy January’s Wine Pairing
This majestic ruby red wine with loads of traditional Italian cherry flavour is the perfect pairing for our divine Venison Wellington.
Our Group Head Sommelier, Andrejz always says, “food and wine are like a great conversation, both should offer good company and compliment one another. Wine pairing is the enhancement of every dining experience.” And as a guest in our hotels, you can enjoy complimentary wine tasting during certain days of the week.
We hope you enjoy our food and wine pairing for this month. We believe food and wine should complement each other. Our sommeliers throughout our group of hotels: Hodson Bay Hotel, Galway Bay Hotel and Sheraton Athlone Hotel ensure enhanced dining experiences. You will always find suggested food and wine pairings on our menus so you enjoy every dish in our restaurants.
We say love food, love food and wine pairings.