Biltong and Wine Pairing – Best Wines To Pair With Biltong

Biltong and wine pairing has become a popular trend among food and wine enthusiasts.

Biltong, a type of cured meat originating from Southern Africa, is a flavorful and savory snack that is enjoyed by many.

The process of making biltong involves marinating the meat in a variety of spices, then drying and curing it.

The result is a tasty snack that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with other foods.

When it comes to biltong and wine pairing, there are a variety of white and red wines that complement the salty and savory flavors of biltong.

In this article, we will explore the best wines to pair with biltong, and how to experiment with different pairings to find the perfect combination.

So, what wine goes with biltong?

The best wines to pair with biltong are Xarello, Godello, Sauvignon Blanc, Albarino and Riesling. These wines have a light body and acidic taste that will bring out the smoky flavors in biltong while still being refreshing. For those looking for something a little more full-bodied, try Pinot Noir or Tempranillo.

White Wines that Pair Well with Biltong

White wines are an excellent choice for pairing with biltong due to their light, refreshing, and crisp flavors that complement the saltiness of the meat.

Below are some of the best white wines to pair with biltong:

1. Xarello: Xarello is a Spanish white wine that has a bright acidity and citrusy notes, making it a great complement to biltong’s salty and savory flavors. The wine has a medium body and a slightly floral aroma that enhances the overall experience of enjoying biltong.
2. Sauvignon Blanc: Sauvignon Blanc is a classic white wine that pairs well with biltong due to its crisp, herbaceous, and fruity flavors. The wine has a refreshing acidity that helps to cut through the saltiness of the biltong, making it a perfect pairing for a summer day.
3. Godello: Godello is a Spanish white wine that is known for its rich and complex flavors. The wine has a medium to full body with a slight buttery taste that goes well with the meaty and salty flavors of biltong. Its subtle mineral notes and citrusy flavors create a well-rounded flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the snack.
4. Albarino: Albarino is a white wine that comes from the Galicia region of Spain. It has a light to medium body, with flavors of green apple, lemon, and peach. The wine’s acidity and crispness make it an excellent pairing for biltong, as it helps to cut through the saltiness of the meat.
5. Riesling: Riesling is a versatile white wine that can be paired with a variety of foods, including biltong. It has a light to medium body, with flavors of honey, apricot, and peach. The wine’s sweetness helps to balance the saltiness of the biltong, while its acidity provides a refreshing finish.

When pairing white wines with biltong, it is important to consider the salt content and type of biltong. Some biltong may have a higher salt content, which may require a wine with a higher acidity to cut through the saltiness.

Personal preferences should also be considered when selecting a white wine to pair with biltong.

Experimenting with different white wines and biltong combinations can lead to the discovery of new and exciting flavor profiles.

Red Wines that Pair Well with Biltong

Red wines are a popular choice for pairing with biltong due to their bold and rich flavors that complement the meat’s savory taste.

Here are some of the best red wines to pair with biltong:

1. Grenache: Grenache is a red wine that has a light to medium body and a fruity flavor profile. The wine’s low tannin levels and high acidity make it an excellent pairing for biltong, as it helps to enhance the meat’s natural flavors.
2. Pinot Noir: Pinot Noir is a red wine that has a light to medium body and a complex flavor profile. The wine’s subtle earthy tones and red fruit flavors pair well with biltong’s meaty and salty flavors. Its soft tannins and bright acidity create a smooth finish that complements the biltong’s texture.
3. Tempranillo: Tempranillo is a Spanish red wine that has a medium body and a rich, fruity flavor profile. The wine’s bold flavors and high tannin levels make it an excellent pairing for biltong, as it helps to balance the meat’s saltiness.
4. Syrah: Syrah is a full-bodied red wine that has a rich and spicy flavor profile. The wine’s bold flavors and high tannin levels make it an excellent pairing for biltong, as it helps to enhance the meat’s natural flavors. The wine’s smoky undertones and spicy notes complement the biltong’s savory taste.

Factors to Consider When Pairing Biltong and Wine

When it comes to pairing biltong and wine, there are several factors to consider to ensure the best possible experience.

These factors include:

1. Salt content of biltong: Biltong’s salt content can vary depending on the type of meat and the curing process. It is important to consider the salt content when selecting a wine to pair with biltong. If the biltong is particularly salty, a wine with a higher acidity can help cut through the saltiness.
2. Fatty or lean biltong: Biltong can also vary in terms of fat content. Fatty biltong pairs well with wines that have a high tannin level, as the tannins help to break down the fat and enhance the meat’s flavor. Lean biltong, on the other hand, pairs well with wines that have a lower tannin level, as the meat’s flavor is already prominent.
3. Personal preferences: When it comes to wine and biltong pairing, personal preferences play a crucial role. Some people prefer white wine with biltong, while others prefer red wine. Experimenting with different wine and biltong combinations can help to determine personal preferences.
4. Importance of experimenting with different wine and biltong pairings: Experimenting with different wine and biltong pairings is key to finding the perfect combination. It is important to try different wines with different types of biltong to discover new and exciting flavor profiles. Keeping notes on which combinations work best can help when selecting wine and biltong pairings in the future.

Other Foods that Can be Paired with Biltong

In addition to wine, biltong can also be paired with other foods to enhance its flavor profile. Here are some other foods that can be paired with biltong:

• Cheese: Pairing biltong with cheese is a popular combination that enhances both flavors. Hard cheeses such as cheddar or gouda pair well with biltong, as their rich and bold flavors complement the meat’s savory taste.
• Olives: Olives are another food that pairs well with biltong. The briny flavor of the olives helps to cut through the saltiness of the meat, while the meat’s natural flavors complement the olives.
• Nuts: Pairing biltong with nuts such as almonds or pistachios creates a unique flavor profile. The nuts’ crunchy texture and subtle flavors pair well with biltong, creating a satisfying and delicious snack.

Conclusion

Biltong and wine pairing is a delicious and satisfying experience that can enhance the flavors of both the wine and the meat.

When it comes to pairing biltong and wine, there are many options to choose from, including white and red wines that complement the savory taste of the meat.

Factors such as salt content, fat content, personal preferences, and experimentation with different wine and biltong combinations should be taken into account to ensure the best possible experience.

So, what wine pairs well with biltong?

The best wines to pair with biltong are Xarello, Godello, Sauvignon Blanc, Albarino and Riesling. These white wines bring out the smoky flavors of biltong and complement its salty taste. For those who prefer red wine, Tempranillo or Pinot Noir would be a great option.

Biltong can also be paired with other foods such as cheese, olives, and nuts to create unique and enjoyable flavor profiles.

By considering these factors and experimenting with different pairings, individuals can create a personalized and enjoyable experience when enjoying biltong and wine together.