Great wine pairing options for specials around tomatoes and mayo
Duke’s Hot Tomato Summer has returned to Richmond for the fifth year in a row to highlight the iconic summer duo, tomato and mayonnaise. Several restaurants in Richmond are offering a variety of Hot Tomato Summer specials for a limited time.
Pairing food and wine may seem intimidating, but the truth is, there is no such thing as a perfect pairing as Jedi wine master Jancis Robinson would say. Even if the pairing seems wrong, there are a ton of right answers. And who knows? You might like the ‘wrong’ pairing.
When it comes to pairings, think about primary taste notes such as salty, savory, fatty, acidic, spicy, bitter and sweet. Pairings can run together like robust red with a heavy meat dish. Or they can contrast each other for balance, think of sweet and salty. For Hot Tomato Summer, there are a variety options that marry well with the creaminess of the mayonnaise and the acidity of the tomatoes.
We went through the list of participating restaurants on the Hot Tomato Summer website and consulted with research materials from wine experts like Jancis Robinson, Jon Bonné, Aldo Sohm, Vanessa Price, and Madeline Puckette to bring these unique wine pairings.
And remember, there are no wrong pairings!
BLT
Served in over 20 places around town, the most popular Special is the BLT (Bacon Lettuce Tomato). This tasty little classic gives you the savory, the sour, the fatty, the crispy and the additional saltiness from the bacon. It pairs well with a variety of wines due to its combination of flavors and textures.
Wine Matches:
- Sparkling: Cava, Champagne, Prosecco, Sparkling Rosé
- Medium-Bodied White: Grüner Veltliner, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc
- Rosé or Rosato/Rosado
- Light Red: Pinot Noir, Gamay
Where is it being served: Bingo Beer Co, Bistro 804, Brambly Park, Can Can Brasserie, Cheddar Jackson (vegan options), Cobra Burger, Crossroads Coffee & Ice Cream, Early Bird Biscuit Co., Garnett’s Cafe, Get Tight Lounge, Honey Whyte’s, Island Shrimp Co., Lunch. SUPPER!, Neighbor, SB’s Lakeside Love Shack, Stag Creek Grill, Sunday Bagel, The Boathouse (City Point, Rocketts Landing, Short Pump, Sunday Park), The Local at Forest & Ridge, Yellow Umbrella
Tomato Pie
A rich savory herbaceous cheesy filling with tomatoes surrounded by a flakey buttery crest. Yum! The complexity and acidity of this dish would pair well with wines that are bright and crisp or acidic as it would not only balance the flavor of the tomatoes and herbs but cut through the richness of the pie.
Wine Matches:
- Sparkling: Cava, Champagne, Prosecco, Sparkling Rosé
- Medium-Bodied White: Grüner Veltliner, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc
- Rosé or Rosato/Rosado
- Medium Red: Barbera, Sangiovese, Merlot
Where is it being served: Bistro 804, Get Tight Lounge, Mosaic, Neighbor, SB’s Lakeside Love Shack, The Green Kitchen, The Local at Forest & Ridge, The Weekly Bake, Truckle Cheesemongers Cheese Bar, Vino Market, ZZQ
Fried Green Tomatoes
The unripeness gives this southern delicacy a tart tangy taste compared to its red counterpart. The crispy rich fried coating complements the savory, citrus-like interior. Wines that are sweet, acidic, fruity or earthy will enhance the fresh unique green tomato flavors.
Wine Matches:
- Sparkling: Cava, Champagne, Prosecco, Sparkling Rosé
- Light White: Pinot Grigio, Riesling
- Rosé or Rosato/Rosado
- Medium Red: Rioja, Sangiovese
Where is it being served: 115 Mobile Kitchen, Beauvine Burger Concept, Industrial Taphouse (West), Island Shrimp Co., Lulus, Neighbor, Ripple Rays, The Weekly Bake, Trouvaille
Pimento Cheese
Although pimento is more of a component in many of the specials, it can be a main star of a dish. Whether it’s in a sandwich or part of a spread, you can’t deny that creamy, cheesy and aromatic enhances the experience. It can pairs well with a variety of wines as it has characteristics that are peppery, savory, fatty and rich.
Wine Matches:
- Sparkling: Cava, Champagne, Prosecco, Sparkling Rosé
- Rosé or Rosato/Rosado
- Medium to Full Red: Sangiovese, Montepulciano
- Full Red: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Nebbiolo
Where is it being served: Beauvine Burger Concept, Bistro 12, Chez Nous, Dinner Party, Early Bird Biscuit Co., Island Shrimp Co., Pies and Cakes Bakery, Soul N’ Vinegar, Two and a Half Irishmen Inc.
Crab
Whether its served as a cake or a hot dip, this shellfish has many identities. It can be delicate, yet robust. It can be spiced, yet sweet and briny. It can be crispy, yet tender. Its various characteristics highlights its simplicity and flavor. Wines with acidity, citrus notes and zippiness are a classic pairing with seafood and will balance with sweetness of the crab.
Wine Matches:
- Sparkling: Cava, Champagne, Prosecco, Sparkling Rosé
- Light White: Muscadet, Albariño, Riesling
- Full White: Chardonnay, Viognier, Grenache Blanc
Where is it being served: Acacia Midtown, Brambly Park, Can Can Brasserie, Mama J’s, Neighbor, The Boathouse (Short Pump, Sunday Park), Tuckahoe Seafood
Deviled Eggs
This classic appetizer with an history that goes back to the medieval ages, are known for their zesty, creamy, tangy, smoky and piquant flavor. These ‘you-can’t-just-eat-one’ finger food pairs well with wine that are more on the dry side as it cuts richness and enhances the savoriness.
Wine Matches:
- Sparkling: Cava, Champagne, Prosecco, Sparkling Rosé
- Full Dry White: Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Semillon
- Rosé or Rosato/Rosado
- Light Red: Pinot Noir, Gamay
Where is it being served: Casa Del Barco Canal Walk, Casa Del Barco Short Pump, Chez Nous, Eat My Eggroll (sandwich style)
Taco
A Richmond staple gets a summer makeover. Since most of the taco specials contains pork belly, these tacos will be more rich, meaty, fatty, smoky and seasoned. Its many textures pairs well with wines that are dry, crisp or sparkling as it needs to compliment the savory flavor as well as its spicy elements.
Wine Matches:
- Sparkling: Cava, Champagne, Prosecco, Sparkling Rosé
- Light White: Albariño, Chenin Blanc, Riesling
- Medium Red: Grenache, Rioja
Where is it being served: Casa Del Barco Canal Walk, Casa Del Barco Short Pump, En Su Boca, Trouvaille
Grilled Cheese
Picture this: between two slices of crispy buttery bread, ooey gooey cheese and juicy sweet umami tomatoes. Now imagine a wine that elevates all the things that make a grilled cheese so good. Bright wines with some fruitiness or salinity will complement the cheese and the tomatoes
Wine Matches:
- Sparkling: Cava, Champagne, Prosecco, Sparkling Rosé
- Full White: Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc
- Rosé or Rosato/Rosado
- Full Red: Malbec, Montepulciano, Syrah
Where is it being served: Le Box Lunch Cafe, Garnett’s Cafe, Secret Squares Pizzas, Truckle Cheesemongers Cheese Bar
Ready to eat (and sip) your way through Hot Tomato Summer? Visit hottomatosummer.com for full menus, more dishes, and participating locations.
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