Dear Merriam Webster, there’s a new definition that needs to be added: Brine (noun) 1. A late morning meal combined with wine.
When it comes to eating brunch, Sunday is the most popping day for this relaxing early afternoon activity. Instead of trying to find a restaurant that can accommodate your reservation or facing the crowds of people, why not create brunch at home? But here comes the tricky part: What are you going to cook? How about some waffles, paired with the perfect wine for the occasion.
Sommelier Shelby Krause has designed eight waffle and wine pairings that will be the ultimate indulgence for Sunday brunch.
Egg and cheese hash brown waffles
Paired with: 2017 Mooncrest Sauvignon Blanc $10.00
Who said hash browns have to be a side dish? With this recipe they can easily steal the show. These cheesy hash brown waffles are in need of a new sidekick, and sauvignon blanc is here to save the day. Mooncrest sauvignon blanc 2017 is a fresh and herbaceous unoaked wine perfect for a savory dish such as this.
Matcha Coconut waffles
Paired with: Harushika Tokimeki, Junmai Sparkling Sake $17.99
I’m coo-coo for coconuts and even more so for sparkling sake! Yes, I said sparkling sake. I know what you’re thinking — you only drink sake if its on happy hour and quickly chased with a few gulps of ice cold Sapporo. Prepare to get your mind blown when you try the Junmai sparkling sake by Harushika Tokimeki. It’s refreshingly crisp like champagne but with softer fruity flavors and a pleasantly nutty, rice finish. The nutty flavors of the matcha and the creaminess of the coconut waffles will be wishing this bottle of sake was a 750ml and not a 375ml. Pro tip: You should probably get two bottles just in case.
Cheddar croque madame waffles
Paired with: Chateau des Jacques Morgon 2015 $31.99
What other sandwich is more classically French than a croque madame? So you had better believe this French, light-bodied, fruity, lip-smacking Beaujolais combined with a bite of crunchy bread and oozy cheese from this recipe will be a celebration of casual French fare. Tip, serve this wine slightly chilled for best results.
Hot honey chicken waffles
Paired with: Bortolotti Prosecco Superiore Extra Dry $17.99
There’s something to be said for one of the greatest pairings: fried chicken and champagne. But as we all know, champagne can empty our wallets real quick — but that’s no reason to miss out on an epic pairing. Prosecco will nail it just as easily. Bortolotti Superiore is an extra-dry prosecco, which ironically means the opposite of what it says. It does, in fact, have some sweetness and is not actually “extra dry.” This slight amount of sweetness will help round out the spiciness from the Sriracha in the hot honey waffles. With lots of oil, salt and fat in the chicken, the acidity and effervescence of the sparkling wine helps cut through it all, cleansing the palate after every bite.
MORE: The Best Waffle Makers of 2019
Red velvet and cream cheese waffles
Paired with: Ca’ del Bosco Franciacorta Cuvée Prestige Rosé $38.99
Pretty doesn’t come in just pink, but also red. Ca’ del Bosco Franciacorta Cuvée Prestige Rosé is a blend of 80 percent pinot nero (same as pinot noir) and 20 per cent chardonnay. The pinot nero accents the chocolate undertones of the red velvet cake, while the chardonnay adds subtle creamy aromas and finesse. Franciacorta has a soft and magical effervescence that will make you feel extra special on your day off.
French toast waffles
Paired with: La Morandina Moscato d’Asti 2017 $16.99
With an already sweet dish like French toast waffles, a wine with an equal amount of sweetness is exactly what you want for a pairing. La Morandina Moscato d’Asti 2017 is a sweet, fragrant, Italian wine, full of floral aromas such as orange blossom, gardenia and even honeysuckle. This low-alcohol wine will leave a sparkle in your mouth.
Strawberry basil Kombucha waffle
Pair with: Ameztoi Rubentis Txakolina Rose $23.99
If wine tastes like strawberries then it must be healthy, right? And when waffles are made with basil and flaxseed they must be healthy too — right? That’s what we’re going to tell ourselves. These strawberry basil kombucha waffles are going to be really happy when you take a bite and wash it down with Ameztoi Rubentis Txakolina Rose. This lightly fizzy wine is a bottle full of flavors such as strawberries, lime and a pinch of sea salt. The perfect accompaniment to these summertime waffles.
Classic buttermilk waffles
Paired with: Hendry Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2015 $31.99
Butter makes everything taste better, right? Well, imagine how good a classic buttermilk waffle will taste with a glass of buttery chardonnay. Hendry is a small family winery that is producing some delicious barrel fermented chardonnay with notes of baked yellow apples and warming spices, featuring a nice acidity and a creamy oak finish.
Biscuits and gravy waffles
Paired with: Guigal Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2015 $16.99
Biscuits and Gravy are quite the duo. Throw a glass of Côtes du Rhône in the mix and now you have a tremendous trio. Guigal Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2015 is a majority of Syrah, which leads to a great deal of spice and pepper with a smooth, fruity finish — just what you need in a glass after a bite of meaty, pork-filled gravy sauce over a warm biscuit waffle. This trio will make you never want to go back to a duo again.
German chocolate waffles
Paired with: B.R. Cohn Silver Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 $20.99
They say a glass of red wine a day is good for your heart, and so is enjoying a piece of chocolate. So why not just have them together? B.R. Cohn Silver Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 is full of flavors of blackberry, black cherry, cassis and a whole bouquet of violets. This lush cabernet is a decadent pairing for those German chocolate waffles. It will taste like chocolate covered fruit all in one bite or sip.
Want to save these pairings for later reference? Here’s a helpful infographic!
