Haggis Wine Pairing: The Best Wines for Haggis

Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish made from sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with spices and oats, and encased in a sheep’s stomach.

Although haggis is often associated with Scotland’s national spirit, whisky, wine lovers can still enjoy this savory dish with a well-paired glass of wine.

In this article, we’ll explore the best wines for haggis wine pairing, highlighting some classic and exotic options from different wine groups to complement the rich and spicy flavors of haggis.

Whether you prefer red, white, or rosé wines, or even fortified or sparkling wines, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s dive into the world of haggis wine pairing and discover some new wine and food pairings to impress your guests or elevate your next haggis dinner.

So, what wine goes with haggis?

The best wines to pair with haggis are Syrah, Beaujolais, and Zinfandel. These bold reds have enough body and tannins to stand up to the strong flavors of the haggis. They also have a slight sweetness that complements the savory spices in the dish.

Haggis and Wine Pairing Basics

When it comes to wine pairing, it’s essential to consider the characteristics of both the food and the wine to create a complementary experience.

With haggis, the dish’s unique blend of flavors and textures means that certain wines will pair better than others.

Here are a few factors to consider when choosing a wine to pair with haggis:

Understanding the basics of wine pairing with food

• Complementary flavors: Look for a wine that complements the flavors in the dish without overpowering them.
• Similar intensity: Choose a wine with a similar intensity level as the dish. A light-bodied wine might get lost when paired with a hearty haggis, while a heavy red wine could overpower it.
• Balance: The wine should provide balance to the meal, refreshing the palate between bites.

Factors to consider when choosing a wine to pair with haggis

• Spices: Haggis contains spices such as black pepper, allspice, and nutmeg. Look for wines that can handle these strong flavors, such as bold reds or aromatic whites.
• Texture: Haggis has a meaty, dense texture, so a wine with a robust body can stand up to it. A wine with too light of a body could get lost in the mix.
• Regional pairings: Consider pairing haggis with wines from regions with similar cuisine. For example, wines from the Rhône Valley in France or the Douro Valley in Portugal could complement haggis well.

Red Wines

Red wines can be a great option for haggis wine pairing, especially those that are fruity, spicy, or bold.

Here are some classic and exotic red wine options to try with haggis:

Fruity and Spiced Rhône Wines

The Rhône Valley in France produces some excellent red wines that pair well with haggis. Look for wines that have fruity and spicy notes, which can balance the richness and intensity of haggis.

Some Rhône wines to consider include:

• Côtes du Rhône: A blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre grapes, Côtes du Rhône wines are medium-bodied with flavors of black cherry, blackberry, and spices, such as pepper and cinnamon. They have a good acidity and can cut through the fat of haggis, making for a delicious pairing.
• Châteauneuf-du-Pape: Made from a blend of up to 13 different grape varieties, including Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines are full-bodied and complex, with flavors of dark fruit, herbs, and spices, such as licorice, thyme, and pepper. They have a high tannin content that can complement the texture of haggis.

Exotic Options from Greece and Lebanon

For a more exotic take on haggis wine pairing, consider trying red wines from Greece or Lebanon. These regions produce some unique and flavorful wines that can add a new dimension to your haggis experience.

Some options to try include:

• Agiorgitiko (Greece): Agiorgitiko is a red grape variety from the Nemea region of Greece that produces wines with flavors of red fruit, such as cherry and raspberry, as well as spices, such as cinnamon and clove. These wines have a good acidity and can balance the richness of haggis.
• Château Musar (Lebanon): Château Musar is a well-known winery in Lebanon that produces red wines with flavors of dark fruit, such as blackberry and plum, as well as earthy and spicy notes, such as leather, tobacco, and cinnamon. These wines have a medium to full body and can complement the robust flavors of haggis.

Bold and Spicy Zinfandels from California

If you’re looking for a bold and spicy wine to pair with haggis, consider trying a Zinfandel from California.

These wines are known for their intense fruit flavors, such as blackberry, raspberry, and cherry, as well as their spicy notes, such as pepper and clove.

They have a high alcohol content and can stand up to the strong flavors of haggis.

Look for Zinfandels from regions such as Sonoma, Paso Robles, or Lodi for the best pairing experience.

White Wines

White wines can also be a great option for haggis wine pairing, especially those that have a spicy or floral character that can complement the richness and complexity of haggis.

Here are some white wine options to consider:

Spicy Alsace Pinot Gris

Alsace in France is known for producing some excellent white wines, including Pinot Gris, which can be a great option for haggis wine pairing.

Alsace Pinot Gris wines are full-bodied and have flavors of stone fruit, such as peach and apricot, as well as spicy and floral notes, such as ginger and honeysuckle.

They have a good acidity and can cut through the fat of haggis, making for a refreshing pairing.

Light and Refreshing Grüner Veltliner from Austria

Another white wine option to consider is Grüner Veltliner from Austria. These wines are light and refreshing, with flavors of green apple, citrus, and white pepper.

They have a high acidity and can balance the richness of haggis. Grüner Veltliner wines also have a minerality that can complement the earthy and savory notes of haggis.

When choosing white wines for haggis wine pairing, it’s important to avoid wines that are too sweet or too oaky, as they may overpower the flavors of haggis.

Instead, opt for wines that have a good balance of acidity, fruitiness, and spice, which can complement the dish without overpowering it.

Rosé Wines

Rosé wines can also be a great option for haggis wine pairing, especially those that are dry and crisp, as they can cut through the richness of haggis and provide a refreshing contrast to its savory flavors.

Here are some rosé wine options to consider:

Dry Provence Rosé

Provence in France is known for producing some of the best rosé wines in the world, and they can be a great option for haggis wine pairing.

Provence rosé wines are typically dry and crisp, with flavors of red fruit, such as strawberry and raspberry, as well as citrus and floral notes. They have a good acidity and can balance the richness of haggis, making for a refreshing and flavorful pairing.

Spanish Rosé

Spain also produces some excellent rosé wines that can be a good match for haggis. Spanish rosé wines are typically dry and have flavors of red fruit, such as cherry and cranberry, as well as herbal and spicy notes, such as rosemary and pepper.

They have a good acidity and can complement the richness and spiciness of haggis.

Fortified Wines

Fortified wines can also be a good option for haggis wine pairing, especially those that are rich and complex, as they can complement the flavors of haggis and provide a nice contrast to its texture.

Here are some fortified wine options to consider:

Port

Port is a fortified wine from Portugal that is typically sweet and rich, with flavors of dark fruit, such as blackberry and plum, as well as nutty and spicy notes, such as almond and cinnamon. It has a high alcohol content and can provide a nice balance to the richness of haggis.

Try pairing a tawny or vintage port with haggis for a luxurious and flavorful experience.

Sherry

Sherry is a fortified wine from Spain that comes in different styles, ranging from dry and crisp to sweet and rich.

For haggis wine pairing, consider trying a medium-dry or medium-sweet sherry, such as Amontillado or Oloroso, which have flavors of nuts, dried fruit, and spices, as well as a good acidity that can complement the flavors of haggis.

Sparkling Wines

Sparkling wines can be a great option for haggis wine pairing, especially those that are dry and crisp, as they can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of haggis and enhance its savory flavors.

Here are some sparkling wine options to consider:

Champagne

Champagne is a sparkling wine from the Champagne region in France that is known for its high quality and elegance.

Champagne can be a great option for haggis wine pairing, especially those that are Brut or Extra Brut, as they are dry and crisp, with flavors of green apple, citrus, and toast. Champagne also has a good acidity and effervescence that can balance the richness and spiciness of haggis.

Cava

Cava is a sparkling wine from Spain that is made in the traditional method, like Champagne, and can be a good alternative to Champagne for haggis wine pairing.

Cava is typically dry and crisp, with flavors of green apple, citrus, and nuts. It has a good acidity and effervescence that can complement the flavors of haggis.

Other Options

While wine is a popular choice for haggis pairing, there are also other beverage options to consider that can complement the flavors and textures of haggis. Here are some other options to try:

Beer

Beer can be a good option for haggis pairing, especially those that are malty and slightly bitter, as they can complement the richness and spiciness of haggis.

Look for Scottish ales or English bitters, which have flavors of caramel, toffee, and herbs, as well as a slight bitterness that can balance the dish.

Stout or porter beers can also be a good match for haggis, as they have flavors of coffee, chocolate, and roasted malt, which can complement the earthy and savory notes of the dish.

Whiskey

Whiskey is a traditional Scottish beverage that is often paired with haggis, and can be a good alternative to wine for those who prefer spirits.

Look for single malt Scotch whiskies that have a rich and smoky flavor, as they can complement the flavors of haggis.

You can also try blending whiskey with other ingredients, such as honey, lemon juice, or ginger beer, to create a cocktail that can enhance the flavors of haggis.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while whisky may be the traditional beverage to pair with haggis, wine can also be an excellent choice for those who prefer it.

When it comes to pairing wine with haggis, it’s essential to consider the dish’s unique blend of flavors and textures. Red wines with fruity and spicy notes, such as Rhônes or exotic options from Greece and Lebanon, can complement the bold flavors of haggis.

Alternatively, a spicy Alsace pinot gris or other white wine options such as Riesling, Viognier, Chardonnay, or Assyrtiko can provide balance and contrast to the dish’s richness.

By selecting one of these wines, you can enhance the flavors of haggis and create a memorable dining experience. So the next time you’re enjoying this classic Scottish dish, consider trying one of these wine pairings for a new and exciting culinary adventure.