As the sun sets on 2018 and we cathartically tot up the number of meals over the festive season that included ‘pigs in blankets,’ goose fat glazed roast spuds and an entire tin of Quality Streets (except the coconut one of course), many of us will swear in the new year with a pledge of penance. With over a quarter of a million people already signed up to Veganuary it seems that this year’s most well-trodden path to self-improvement will be paved with tofu.
Perhaps this is no surprise, given lasts years damning report into the severity of climate change and the conclusion that abstaining from meat was the most meaningful contribution an individual can make to tackle this existential crisis, it was predictable that a vegan lifestyle would hold greater appeal for people who previously regarded it as ‘hippy b*llocks!’
This shift from fringe to mainstream movement still feels surreal. The fact that Matt Pritchard of Dirty Sanchez, a man formerly famed for inventing ‘naked paintball,’ now has a wonderfully entertaining vegan cooking show on the BBC, makes us think we may now be living through a Lewis Carroll novel. Yet, it seems to illustrate this lifestyle has penetrated far deeper than its traditional faction.
Although it’s getting far easier, being vegan still comes with its challenges. From people questioning where you get your protein from, to that bloke in the pub regaling you with the tale of how he once ate Quorn or having to explain to your Nan for the 1000th time that salmon does in fact count as an animal product. Thus, at Oddbins, we wanted to lend a helping hand, we have a dedicated web page to wines that have been neither fined nor filtered with egg-white and below are our 5 top vegan wine and food pairing picks. All of these wines are also organic so they’re even more environmentally friendly than you may expect.
Querciabella Mongrana 2014
An organic ‘Super Tuscan’ made from a blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, it is rich with flavours of both red and black berries, tomato leaf, balsamic and baking spices.
Food Match – Sundried Tomato and Lentil Ragu
Gertie Cabernet Franc 2017
Minimal intervention Clare Valley Cab Franc made from just 5 rows of vines. It has a bright palate of blackberry jam, redcurrants, bramble, tobacco and a spicy, mineral finish.
Food Match – 5-Bean Chilli
Pfluger Cuvee Biodynamite 2017
The Pfluger Cuvee Biodynamite is off-dry, very aromatic and deliciously juicy wine. Full of character with citrus, peach, herbal and mineral notes. Elegant and exotic with long finish.
Food Match – Thai Yellow Curry with Rice Noodles
Lechburg Feteasca Regala 2017
An elegant and floral scented organic white with ripe flavours of citrus fruit, dried grass and acacia underscored by a refreshing acidity, made from native Romanian varietal Feteasca Regala.
Food Match - Spinach, Avocado and Tofu Salad
Gysler Riesling Brut 2015
With a nose that is such a pure expression of Riesling but a palate reminiscent of a super-premium traditional method Blanc de Blancs, it is clear no quality is lost by being vegan or organic!
Food Match - Portobello Mushroom Wellington
