Earthy red winds with lots of acidity, such as Pinot Noir, Beaujolais and Baco Noir pair best with Poutine. Meanwhile, refreshing whites, such as Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Sparkling Wine, are also excellent with Poutine as their bright acidity is refreshing against the salty nature of Poutine.
Poutine is a dense, flavourful dish with earthy overtones from the French Fries and gravy. Thus, our favourite wine pairings are earthy reds with lots of acidity to cut through the rich gravy and soft cheese curds, such as Pinot Noir, Baco Noir or a Chianti. Sparkling Wine and Riesling are also highly recommended for their bright acidic that is refreshing against the salty nature of Poutine.
Best Wine with Poutine
Poutine & Pinot Noir
An earthy Pinot Noir complements the earthy potato flavours, as well as the earthy elements you’ll find in the gravy. You’ll also find some much-needed acidity to help cut through the gravy and cheese.
Acidity is important as it whisks the fats and carbohydrates that coat our taste buds again. When our mouth gets coated in gunk, it dulls our sense of taste. However, with acidity, this is never a problem, as it cuts through gravy and cheese, keeping our sense of taste alert.
In addition, the saltiness of Poutine will help bring out all the flavours of your Pinot Noir a little bit more. So might notice stronger flavours of truffle, cherry and wild strawberry.
Poutine & Baco Noir
Here’s a double dose of Canada, with Baco Noir largely made in the Great White North (although lots of great Baco Noir is made in upstate NY as well).
Baco Noir is a fruity and acidic red with lovely smoky and earthy notes that complement the gravy and potatoes. Again, you’ll find the acidity your best friend as it wipes all the delicious but taste bud-clogging fat clear from your mouth.
Sancerre & Poutine Pairing
Sancerre is a French Sauvignon Blanc but it also has an additional component of gunflint that we feel complements the smoky gravy flavours of Poutine. Bright and full of acidity, Sancerre cleanses the palate. Furthermore, the wine’s herbal and citrus notes are elevated by the salt in your Poutine.
Any Sauvignon Blanc will work with Poutine, delivering delicious flavours of grapefruit, lemon and gooseberry, which will keep you refreshed against the dish’s saltiness. Sancerre, however, sings a bit louder as it has a subtle smokiness to tantalize your senses further.
Sparkling Wine and Poutine
While Sparkling wine will make each bite taste fresh, it has no complementary flavours. Still, the saltiness of the Poutine will elevate the subtle flavours of the sparkling wine you may have never noticed before.
Cava & Prosecco are two highly recommended sparkling wines to try out, as they are affordable and often have a consistently good quality to them.