We all love a picnic.
According to Wikipedia, the first usage of the word in print can be traced back to 1692, in Tony Willis’s Origines de la Langue Française, in which he mentions the term ‘pique-nique’ as being of recent origin.[1]
The interesting part is that the term ‘picnic’ originally described a BYO situation where a group of people brought their own wine to a restaurant.
So, considering the etymology of the word picnic and its associations – specifically, that of wine – we thought we would offer a helping hand and suggest some wines suitable for picnics and to match with some typical picnic foods.
The team at Corney & Barrow were eager to get in on this one, so here it is in their own words:
Strawberries – Sara Guiducci
A German Kabinett [like our Erbacher Marcobrunn Riesling Kabinett from Schloss Schonborn] is the perfect low-alcohol wine for a lazy summer afternoon. Slightly off-dry and great with strawberries. If you can get a magnum it looks great at a picnic!
Parma ham – Annabel Berridge
Pair Parma ham with our Guardiola Bianco IGT Tenuta di Passopisciaro. A marriage of Northern and Southern Italy, the smokiness of both wine and ham complement one another very nicely. There is a really fresh minerality to the Chardonnay which cuts through the richness of the ham. Grown amongst the lava on the slopes of Mount Etna, the Guardiola is not just a talking point but a great alternative to sparkling wine.
Smoked salmon, scones and cakes – Olivia Marsh
Wine type is the most important part of any picnic, in my opinion! So let’s go for sparkling: Delamotte – a real special occasion picnic wine. Lovely with smoked salmon or scones, cakes etc.
Crab/chicken – Joe Muller
If it is an impromptu low key gathering with friends in the park, I would yank a bottle of Terre de Lumiere Viognier 2015 out of the fridge. It is wonderfully easy drinking, aromatic and fresh yet with moreish ripe pear and peach flavours. It has a gentle richness that gives a beguiling texture that makes it spot on to wash down a crab stick or a chicken leg!
Scotch eggs/sausage rolls/pork pies – Elliot Perkoff
To go with classic snacks like scotch eggs, sausage rolls, pork pies etc. try the Beginning Chardonnay from The Lane. It has weight and texture to stand up to pastry and pork, but with refreshing peachy acidity to cut through any oiliness.
Mussels (not typical, but if you’re lucky!) – Gail Black
Picnic on the beach – West Coast of Scotland – a glass of Champagne Delamotte NV with freshly caught mussels cooked on an open fire, bliss! Not a particular experience but definitely on my bucket list!
Cold meats/salad – Thibaut Mattieu
I would bring a bottle of François Carillon Bourgogne Chardonnay 2014. The wine is very well made, with a refreshing acidity and lots of soft ripe fruit flavours. It is well balanced to be enjoyable in tough conditions of a picnic. It is complex and intense enough to go with classic picnic food, such as cold cuts, vegetable salad with a simple dressing.
Samosas/cheesecake – Margaux Carpentier
These are definitely a good match: spicy vegetarian Indian samosas with Joh Jos Prum Kabinett! Also, I would go for a glass of Wiston Estate Rosé Brut NV 2011 with a savoury strawberry tart or cheesecake.
Perfect-for-any-picnic wines
David Britain – Cakebread Sauvignon Blanc, one of California’s best and a very summery feel about this wine, would be a great match with any picnic.
Graham Moss – tried, tested, tasted and approved by all picnickers, Cabernet Sauvignon Domaine de Saissac IGP Pays d’Oc.
If you have any picnic food & wine suggestions, leave us a comment below. Otherwise find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to tell us your favourite picnic pairings.
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Picnic