our resident wine expert on the perfect Wines to pair with your pancakes this Shrove Tuesday
If you have been to one of our baby friendly wine tastings, you will already know Amanda, Founder of Social Sip Club. As well as our events, Amanda has been running workshops and classes to help people get the most from wine since 2013 and Social Sip Club comes from wanting to share wine knowledge without all the faff and pretence that is usually associated with it.
Each month Amanda is going to be bringing us the latest wines and drinks she is loving.
This month, forget Valentine’s Day, we all know the real day to show your loved ones you care this February is Pancake Day!
While kids large and small gather together to indulge in a stack of fluffy pancakes, you can make it a proper grown-up celebration by choosing a wine pairing which will lift your crêpes to a whole new level!
So, let’s start…
PERK UP LEMON & SUGAR WITH PROSECCO
If you’re a traditional lemon and sugar lover, grab something light and fresh. Prosecco would work well here, although if your sugar spoon is on the large side, even a sweeter Moscato d’Asti would be a delicious treat. The bubbles in a glass of Prosecco complement the zesty citrus flavours and the lightness of flavour works well, a moreish combo!
Our choice: Tesco Finest Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG, is perfect here, made from top quality grapes in the very finest area of Prosecco. It is light and fresh with citrusy fruit flavours. Tesco, £9.50
CHOCOLATE SPREAD JUST NEEDS A LIGHT RED
If you’re more of a chocolate spread kind of person, reach for a rich, sweet, red. A Zinfandel or Valpolicella Ripasso will hit the spot. The fruity notes from the wine will blend with the chocolate nicely!
Valpolicella Ripasso is made by passing the wine over dried, sweet grape skins. The result is a wine that's rich and soft, will stand up to your pancakes but also go well with a main course pasta and ragu as well.
Our choice: Morrison’s “The Best” Valpolicella Ripasso, £12
BRING OUT THE BERRIES WITH A PINOT NOIR
And finally, add some blueberries to your pancakes just so that you can sip Pinot Noir and enjoy the gorgeous berry flavours together!
Pinot Noir is a lighter, dry red and Chilean versions are bursting with ripe red fruit flavours which will be perfect to make those blueberries (or strawberries, cherries etc.) pop.
OK, blueberry pancakes are more of an American pancake than a crêpe, but honestly, the pinot with the blueberries is a match made in heaven, so why not?
Our choice: Errazuriz Chilean Pinot Noir, Waitrose, £7.99 right now, usual price £8.99
Happy Sipping!
For more info about Social Sip Club you can follow Amanda on Instagram @socialsipclub.