Wine & food pairing: Musket White 2023

Orange wine represents a return to ancient winemaking wisdom, where extended skin contact creates something truly extraordinary. The Musket White 2023, crafted in traditional talha amphoras, brings this time-honored technique into the modern world. Let’s explore how this expressive wine can transform your dining experience with both classic and unexpected pairings.

The Soul of Musket White

Born in clay amphoras named after Roman goddesses, the 2023 Musket White embodies both tradition and rebellion. This naturally-made orange wine offers vibrant notes of sun-ripened pineapple and apricot, kissed with wild honey and gentle tannins from skin contact. Its character – raw, expressive, and wonderfully complex – opens doors to bold culinary adventures.

Mediterranean Soul Food

Drawing from its Alentejo roots, this wine speaks the language of Mediterranean cuisine with remarkable fluency:

Bacalhau à Brás: A Dance of Tradition

This beloved Portuguese dish of salt cod, potato, and egg creates magic with Musket White. The wine’s natural acidity cuts through the richness, while its fruit notes elevate the dish’s savory depth. It’s a pairing that honors both innovation and heritage.

Artisanal Cheese Journey

Local and regional cheeses offer sublime combinations:

• Queijo de Nisa (Portugal): Hand-crafted sheep’s milk cheese whose mineral notes dance with the wine’s aromatics
• Aged Manchego (Spain): Its crystalline texture and nutty profile complement the wine’s complexity
• Accompany with fresh figs or toasted almonds for textural contrast

Asian Cuisine: Breaking Boundaries

The wine’s versatile nature creates unexpected harmony with Asian flavors:

Vietnamese Fresh Rolls

These delicate rolls showcase the wine’s versatility:

• Fresh herbs amplify the wine’s aromatic expression
• Rice paper texture finds balance with the wine’s subtle tannins
• Dipping sauces create dynamic flavor interactions

Modern Table

Summer Harvest Plate

A contemporary composition that celebrates seasonality:

• Fire-roasted peaches mirror the wine’s stone fruit notes
• Local burrata adds luxurious texture
• Wild herbs and olive oil create aromatic bridges

Pairing Fundamentals

Consider these principles when creating your own combinations:

• Embrace texture: The wine’s structure supports dishes with depth
• Play with contrast: Salt and acidity create dynamic tension
• Follow the aromatics: Herbs and spices amplify complexity
• Mind the temperature: Serve at 12-14°C to reveal full expression

Freedom to Explore

While these pairings offer a starting point, Musket White invites personal discovery. Its character – shaped by ancient talhas, indigenous yeasts, and minimal intervention – creates space for culinary creativity. Trust your palate and let each combination tell its own story.

Whether hosting an intimate dinner or exploring solo, these suggestions offer pathways to memorable experiences. Remember that the best pairing isn’t about rules – it’s about finding connections that speak to you, just as each amphora brings its unique voice to the wine.