Usually, we think of wine as an indulgence. Its most popular partners include steak, cheese, and chocolate. But what if you want to enjoy a glass, without the guilt? Here are three easy and nutritious meals that are absolutely delicious with a glass of wine. For these healthy wine pairings, we’re shining the spotlight on Fresh Vine, a wine carefully crafted to have less sugar and calories than typical wine brands.
The Wine
Is it possible to create a “healthier” wine, you ask? For actresses Nina Dobrev (Vampire Diaries) and Julianne Hough (Dancing With the Stars), the answer is a resounding yes. Too many bulk wines in today’s market have unnecessarily high sugar levels. Dobrev and Hough set out to create a line of wines with less sugar, and hence, fewer calories.
Fresh Vine isn’t the first low-calorie wine. In fact, there are a number of low-carb, low-sugar, and low-calorie wines on the market. However, most of them aren’t known for their exceptional taste, to put it kindly.
Fortunately, Fresh Vine Wine is a different story. Hough and Dobrev’s goal: cut down on sugar, not flavor. The wines are made in Napa, under the guidance of winemaker Jamey Whetstone, formerly of Turley Vineyards. Their Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is rated 92 points on Tasting Panel, while their Pinot Noir and Rosé have earned two bronze medal awards from TexSom. And – get this – all of their wines are rated above four stars on Vivino.
This was my first time trying a low-calorie wine, and I’ll admit – I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was surprised to find that Fresh Vine tastes just as good as full-calorie Pinot Noir and Rosé. For example, if I put the rosé to a blind tasting, I think most would never guess that the rosé was low sugar. And the Pinot Noir, with a brief decant, revealed lovely floral, vanilla, and red fruit aromatics. I found all of the Fresh Vine wines to be bright, vibrant examples of their varietals. They had food-friendly acidity, lively aromatics, and a smooth, well-balanced palate.
The Healthy Wine Pairings
Of course, if you’re health-conscious, the best way to enjoy wine is with a meal. Drinking wine with food slows alcohol down in hitting your bloodstream, giving your body more time to metabolize it. So, we’ve paired both the Fresh Vine Rosé and Pinot Noir with two different dishes for your healthy dining inspiration.
Healthy Wine Pairing #1: Poached Egg on Prosciutto and Avocado Toast + Fresh Vine Rosé
This creamy, rich dish proves that wine pairings can be both balanced and delicious. The Fresh Vine Rosé’s crisp, clean acidity cuts through the oozy egg and grassy avocado like a knife. Meanwhile, the salty, nutty prosciutto accentuates rosé’s strawberry and red cherry fruit.
Healthy Wine Pairing #2: Light Brie, Pear, and Balsamic Crostata + Fresh Vine Pinot Noir
Brie and Pinot Noir are a delectable pairing. Pick a light brie if you’re watching your calories closely, or simply shave it thinly. Brie has a mushroomy note, particularly in the rind, that fuses nicely with the earthy aromatics of Pinot Noir. Meanwhile, Pinot Noir’s tannins are light enough that they don’t overpower the mild brie. The Fresh Vine Pinot Noir has plenty of bright acidity, which cuts through the creaminess of the cheese nicely. Thinly sliced pear adds a light touch of flavor that isn’t overly sweet, while the sharp drizzle of balsamic works brings out the lively fruit in the wine.
Healthy Wine Pairing #3: Salmon and Lentil Bowls + Fresh Vine Pinot Noir
The bright acidity and touch of red fruit in the Fresh Vine Pinot Noir pops against the earthy flavors of salmon. Smoky, nutty lentils further accentuate the oaky, faintly floral aromatics in the Pinot Noir. We garnished this dish with slaw and pomegranate seeds. However, Pinot Noir is a versatile wine that can easily go with other ingredients you’d normally find on a salad, such as dried cranberries, shaved almonds, or crumbled cheese.
The Final Sip
Wine should be enjoyable, not guilt-inducing. Light-bodied wines like Pinot Noir, rosé, and crisp white wines pair wonderfully with healthy fare like vegetables, seafood, and grains. Learn more about Fresh Vine Wines here, or check our other healthy food and wine pairings here.