Mustard and Wine Pairings
Mustard, with its bold and varied flavors, can be a fantastic companion to wine when paired well. Whether you're planning a sophisticated tasting or simply looking to elevate your next meal, understanding how to match mustard and wine can lead to some delightful culinary experiences.
Understanding Mustard Flavors:
Before diving into pairings, it's essential to recognize the range of mustard flavors from tangy and sharp dijon, robust and textured whole grain mustard, mild and sweet yellow mustard, sweet honey mustard, or bold and pungent spicy brown mustard, we want to keep in mind some general pairing principles:
• Match intensity: Pair bold mustards with full-bodied wines
• Consider acidity: High-acid wines can balance creamy mustards
• Think about sweetness: Sweet mustards can pair well with off-dry wines
Some classic pairings:
• Dijon Mustard and Chablis: The crisp, mineral notes of Chablis complement the tanginess of Dijon. Our favorites: Maille Mustard Dijon Originale and Criterion Chablis. Try with pâté and jellied terrines like jambon persillé.
• Whole Grain Mustard and Syrah/Shiraz: The robust texture of whole grain mustard stands up well to the bold flavors of Syrah. Our picks? Bornier Wholegrain Dijon Mustard and Andrew Murray Vineyards Tous Les Jours Syrah. Pair with prosciutto and smoked gouda.
• Honey Mustard and Riesling: The sweetness in both the mustard and wine create a harmonious pairing. Try Honeycup Mustard and Strub Niersteiner Paterberg Riesling. Try with extra sharp cheddar and spiced pistachios.
• German Mustard and Gewürztraminer: The spicy notes in both the mustard and wine create an exciting flavor combination. Try Loewensenf Extra Hot Mustard German and Weinbach Gewurztraminer Les Treilles Du Loup, 2020. Pair with mild cow's milk cheeses (like muenster), prosciutto, and mortadella.
• French Moutarde de Meaux and Burgundy: This classic French mustard pairs beautifully with the elegant red wines of Burgundy. Try Pommery Meaux Mustard and Louis Jadot Bourgogne Pinot Noir Red Wine. Works wonderfully with mild cheese like goat or brie.
• Horseradish Mustard and Sparkling Wine: We didn’t think this would work, either, but the effervescence of the wine cuts through the heat of the mustard beautifully. Try Plochman’s Spicy Horseradish Mustard with Champagne Colligny Pere & Fils Brut Rose. Try with milder cheeses like mozzarella, burrata, feta, and halloumi alongside fruit like grapes and apples.
• Truffle Mustard and Barolo: The earthy notes in both create a luxurious pairing. Try TruffleHunter’s Black Truffle Dijon Mustard and Rivata Barolo. Pairs well with aged meats like prosciutto and strong cheeses like gorgonzola or castelmagno.
Mustard and Fortified Wines
• Spicy Brown Mustard and Tawny Port: The sweetness of the port balances the heat of the mustard. Go for Dietz & Watson Spicy Brown Mustard and Quinta Das Carvalhas 10-Year-Old Tawny Port. Try the combination with dry hard cheese like parmesan, manchego, pecorino, ages gouda, or crumbly cheddar.
• Grain Mustard and Dry Sherry: The nuttiness of the sherry complements the texture of grain mustard. Try Maille Wholegrain Mustard and Don Benigno Amontillado Sherry. Pairs wonderfully with grilled or brined seafood, and salty sheep’s milk blue cheeses like Roquefort.
Pairing mustard and wine opens up a world of flavors and possibilities. From classic combinations to unexpected delights, there's always something new to discover. But remember, the best pairing is ultimately the one you enjoy most.
