Spring delights: 5 food and wine pairings to tantalise your taste buds

Spring is finally upon us, bringing with it an abundance of fresh, delicious flavours. It's the perfect time to turn to traditional dishes that make the most of seasonal produce, while delighting our taste buds. In this article, we'll explore five must-try dishes to celebrate the arrival of spring with indulgence.

Spring Salad with Asparagus and Soft-boiled Eggs

Nothing symbolises the arrival of spring like fresh asparagus. This light and refreshing salad perfectly combines crisp asparagus with creamy soft-boiled eggs. Add a few rocket leaves, thinly sliced radishes and a lemon and olive oil dressing for an explosion of spring flavour in every bite. To accompany this dish, opt for a lively, aromatic white wine, such as a Bordeaux Blanc. Its herbaceous notes and refreshing acidity will enhance the freshness of the young shoots and the tender texture of the asparagus.

Morel and Pea Risotto

Morels make their appearance on market stalls in spring, and there's nothing like a creamy risotto to show them off to their best advantage. Pair them with fresh peas to add a touch of sweetness and colour to this comforting dish. Garnished with freshly grated Parmesan and sprigs of parsley, this risotto is a real treat for lovers of traditional cuisine. The perfect match would be a dry, mineral white wine, such as a Chablis. Its freshness and light acidity will balance the richness of the risotto while bringing out the delicate aromas of the peas and morels.

Leg of Lamb with Provence Herbs

Roast leg of lamb is an emblematic springtime dish, perfect for family meals or special occasions. Seasoned with fresh Provençal herbs such as rosemary, thyme and savory, this dish has an enchanting aroma that fills the house as it cooks. Pair it with roast potatoes and seasonal vegetables for an unforgettable spring feast. To accompany this explosion of flavours, opt for a structured, powerful wine that will go perfectly with the intense flavour of the meat. A Châteauneuf-du-Pape or a Côtes du Roussillon would be ideal for this dish.

If you're looking for a more original pairing, choose a medium-bodied white wine with good acidity, such as an unoaked Chardonnay or Viognier. Their subtle fruitiness and balanced structure will complement the herbaceous notes of the dish perfectly.

Spring Vegetable Soup

For a lighter, healthier option, opt for a spring vegetable soup. Use a variety of seasonal vegetables such as baby carrots, peas, broad beans and new turnips. Flavour with fresh basil and lemon zest for an extra touch of freshness. Served with a slice of toasted farmhouse bread, this soup makes a balanced and nourishing meal. Pair this soup with a lively, aromatic white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Gris like Coteaux Bourguignons, to complement the freshness of the vegetables.

Strawberry tart with whipped cream

Strawberries make a big comeback on market stalls in spring, heralding the imminent arrival of fine weather. There's nothing like a freshly baked strawberry tart, with crisp shortcrust pastry and a generous layer of homemade whipped cream. Decorate it with sliced fresh strawberries for a dessert that's both light and exquisite. For a perfect match, choose a brut champagne, such as Baptiste Bienvenu's "Sur le Bois", which goes perfectly with the strawberries, or a Cerdon, such as Sandrine Bigot's Cerdon Ancestral.

In conclusion, spring is a time when nature reawakens and markets abound with fresh, appetising produce. These five traditional dishes showcase the delights of the season while delighting your senses. Whether you're a fan of fresh salads, comfort food or gourmet desserts, there's something for everyone. So let yourself be seduced by these recipes and savour every moment of this wonderful spring weather. Bon appétit, and here's to you!

Psst : You can find the wines listed above on our website, or buy them at Mon Vin Français !

Bordeaux Blanc – Château Grand Jean

- https://www.vitivalorwines.com/nosdomaines/vignobles-dulon

Côtes du Roussillon « Col Palomère » - Domaine Bellavista

- https://www.vitivalorwines.com/nosdomaines/domaine-bellavista

- https://img.e-boissons.com/picture/product/VIS/cotes-du-roussillon-col-de-palomere-rouge-2022-domaine-bellavista-14611-1-1R2X.png

Châteauneuf-du-Pape « Tradition » rouge & blanc – Domaine La Boutinière

- https://www.vitivalorwines.com/nosdomaines/domaine-la-boutini%C3%A8re

Chablis – Caves Baptiste Bienvenu

- https://www.monvinfrancais.com/vins/blanc/vin-de-bourgogne/chablis-2022-15838/

- https://www.vitivalorwines.com/nosdomaines/caves-bienvenu

Chablis 1er Cru « Vaugiraut » – Domaine des 3V