Perfect Pair – Episode 4: Cuban Cuisine

Atelier Monnier

In this Perfect Pair article, we are diving into Cuban cuisine. We have asked our sommelier to recommend the wine pairings for some of Cuba’s most famous dishes. Cuban cuisine is Spanish in origin with a mix of African spices into its rich seasoning, giving each dish a robust flavor experience and a great addition to a glass of wine or cocktail.

 

Throughout the past few decades, Cuba’s political canvas has made its citizen limited to the selection of ingredients required to create Cuban dishes in their original form. Still, the desperation of fleeing persons seeking refuge in areas like Miami Florida have made room for these cuisines to be created once again.

 

As a Mojito is worldly considered Cuba’s most famous cocktail it comes as a surprise that it is not paired with any food dishes. A spectacular beverage with plenty of Cuban citrus flavor but you will not find it paired with any cuisine on this list because of it not being widely consumed during a meal.

So, before ending a tasty meal with a cafecito, let me recommend some of our wines to enhance your experience.

Listed below are Atelier Monnier personal favorites, I hope you enjoy.

 

Wine and Cuban Cusine

 

Ropa Vieja: shredded beef slow cooked with tomato, garlic sauce and wine a side of white rice, black beans, and sweet plantains

12 e mezzo Italian Wine

Federico Chianti Classico 

 

Chicken or pork in mojito sauce: Same wines can serve to compliment chicken or pork, due to the garlic and the sour orange juice of the tasty dish.

White: go for crisp and refreshing one: Franc Beausejour

Rose: 83 Rosé

Red: J P Chenet Pinot Noir (would also work well with chicken Fricassee)

 

Fish, Shrimp, and Gambas:  Usually served in their shells with Mojito sauce.

In its traditional form Mojito includes sour oranges lemon, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and oil.

White Sancerre

Riesling Hillfriech

Pinot Grigio

La Gioiosa Prosecco is still a strong companion for the fish, pork and chicken dishes mentioned above.

 

Let us know if you try any of these pairings at home! And make sure to let us know in the comments below (or on Instagram or Facebook), which cuisine you would like our Sommelier to give you pairing tips on for next month’s article.

Buen Provecho!