Wine and food pairing with porcini mushrooms

Cèpes are distinguished by their pronounced umami flavor, with woody, earthy, and slightly nutty notes. Their texture is both tender and slightly firm, making them particularly versatile in the kitchen. They can be cooked in many ways, but their intense flavor requires a wine capable of enhancing these characteristics while balancing their natural richness.

A lightly oaky Chardonnay from Burgundy is an ideal choice to accompany ceps. With its white-fleshed fruit aromas, buttery, nutty notes and round texture, it complements the woody, earthy flavors of ceps while adding a lovely freshness. A Viognier, with its aromas of peach, apricot and floral notes, can also be an excellent option. Its roundness and fruity aromas harmonize well with the richness of the ceps. Try the Magnificent Pouilly-Loché du Clos des Rocs on this dish, for example.

A dry Chenin Blanc, particularly a Savennières de la Loire, is another excellent partner for ceps. With its aromas of apple, quince and honey, as well as its minerality and liveliness, it brings a lovely freshness that contrasts nicely with the richness of the ceps.

A Burgundy Pinot Noir (the one from Domaine Jean Fournier) is often one of the best choices to accompany ceps. This light, fruity wine, with its aromas of cherry, raspberry, and notes of undergrowth, creates a beautiful synergy with the earthy flavors of the mushrooms. The Pinot Noir's supple tannins and balanced acidity ensure that it doesn't dominate the dish, while adding subtle complexity. An organic Loire wine, such as a Saumur-Champigny from domaine Antoine Sanzay or a Chinon from domaine de la Noblaie, are an excellent choice, especially on the wine is a little aged.

A more robust wine, such as a Barolo or Nebbiolo, can also be an excellent choice to accompany porcini dishes, especially when prepared with rich sauces. With their aromas of red fruits, truffles and spicy notes, these structured, elegant wines perfectly complement the umami flavors of the mushrooms.