Drink This With That: Waffles

 

 

Welcome back to Drink This with That—a new feature about what to drink with specific foods and international cuisines. Each month we will highlight a particular food or dish with pairing options and a link to the Wine Road searchable database to find the wines we recommend from the tried and true, to the options that add a bit of a twist to the standard pairing.

This month we explore the wine pairing options for a beloved comfort food— Waffles! When’s the last time you made waffles? For most people it was probably a week after they received a waffle iron for a wedding gift and then never touched it again. My own experience with waffles was at the Southern institution known as the Waffle House that was often more revered for being open 24 hours a day and its circus of customers, than the cuisine. In my opinion the only time it’s permissible (and the most fun) to go to the Waffle House is between the hours of 3-5am. Trust me on that.

Waffles first came to our shores via the Dutch in the 1620’s. Round, square, savory or sweet; the waffle is a crispy and fluffy delight which can be made in a variety of ways. Universally enjoyed at breakfast, they are perfect for any meal including dinner and can be elevated with thoughtful wine pairings.

Waffles don’t always have to be sweet; you can use a waffle maker to make savory waffles too. When you consider it, a waffle iron is nothing more than a panini press with a grid, and much like a panini, the waffle can be made with a host of ingredients and combinations. Below are my favorite pairings that may inspire you to dig out that waffle iron and fire it up. Search for compatible wines here www.wineroad.com/wineries

Waffle Categories & Wine Pairing Recommendations

Buttermilk Waffles: classic, fluffy, and slightly tangy

+ Moscato d’Asti: sweet and sparkling complements tangy flavors
+ Pinot Grigio: crisp acidity enhances citrus notes
+ Sparkling wine: effervescence pairs with fluffy texture

Belgian Waffles: thick, crispy, and often topped with fruit or whipped cream

+ Riesling: acidity balances sweetness and fruit toppings
+ Gewürztraminer: spicy and floral notes complement whipped cream
+ Rosé: enhances fruit flavors and aromas

Sweet Potato Waffles: sweet, spicy, and savory

+ Pinot Noir: earthy and sweet notes complement sweet potato flavors
+ Grenache-based Rosé: fruity and refreshing, balances spicy notes
+ Sparkling wine: effervescence cuts through richness

Savory Waffles: herb-infused, cheese-topped, or bacon-filled

+ Sauvignon Blanc: citrus and grassy notes enhance herb flavors
+ Chardonnay: buttery and oaky notes complement cheese and bacon
+ Rosé of Pinot Noir: fruity and refreshing, balances savory flavors

Stuffed Waffles: filled with fruit, nuts, or chocolate

+ Moscato d’Asti: sweet and sparkling complements fruit fillings
+ Tawny Port: nutty and caramel notes enhance chocolate fillings

Chicken and Waffles: soft and crunchy; sweet and salty

+ Sauvignon Blanc: lively acidity adds contrast to fried chicken
+ Sparkling Chenin Blanc: fresh and light elevates and balances the flavors
+ Chardonnay: butter and citrus notes add depth