Some months ago Creation’s pairing guru, Carolyn Martin, ran a fascinating series on herb and wine pairing which once again proved how the elegance and finesse of Creation’s cool climate wines can enhance the taste of fresh herbs and vice versa. Now Carolyn and the Creation Culinary Team take pleasure in bringing you some hints and tips on flower and wine pairing.
Rose petal and rose water: Creation Pinot Noir with its lovely, subtle rose aromas reminiscent of the dried buds from Grasse in France and delicate and velvety like a fresh rose petal.
Zucchini blossom: This is a rarity as they only flower for a short while. Stuffed with parmesan and/or ricotta cheese it is a lovely match for the Creation Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon blend – picking up on the savoury characteristics, balancing the acidity and enhancing the delicate nutty flavours.
Sweet violet: Creation Pinot Noir counterbalances the sweet and musky character of the violet while the violet accentuates the crisp freshness of the wine, prolonging the aftertaste.
Elderflower: Creation Sauvignon Blanc is a perfect pairing, matching the sweet and sour bouquet of the flower with fragrant notes of passion fruit and grapefruit.
Lavender petal: Picks up beautifully on the complex aromas and flavours of the Creation Chardonnay – contributing to the fragrance with a hint of honey.
Orange blossom: Delightful with the Creation Chardonnay with its fragrant layers of citrus.
Rocket flower: Ranging in colour from white to yellow with dark purple streaks. Fresh, peppery and spicy to add depth and panache to the Creation Sauvignon Blanc or the Creation Syrah, Grenache blend.
Fennel blossom: The Creation Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon blend, Creation Pinot Noir and Creation Syrah. These wines match the freshness of the flowers while the flowers pick up on the hints of liquorice in the wine.
Pineapple sage flower: Just amazing with the Creation Chardonnay with its hints of pineapple which become more pronounced when matched.
Rosemary flower: The tiny light purple flowers taste like the leaves but more delicate. Delectable with the Creation Syrah, Grenache blend as the savoury rosemary characteristics balance the fruit beautifully.
Jasmine: Charming to decorate Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) wines and add a touch of the exotic. Also ideal with the fragrance of Creation Viognier.
Saffron flower: Creation Chardonnay is a classic pairing and there is no doubt why! The earthy notes and richness on the palate is perfectly offset by the wine.
