What Wine Goes With French Onion Soup? A Sommelier’s Guide
The best wine pairings for French onion soup typically feature a balance of acidity and earthiness to complement the rich, savory flavors and caramelized onions. Generally, a dry Sherry or a fruity, medium-bodied red like Beaujolais are excellent choices.
Decoding the Pairing Puzzle: French Onion Soup and Wine
French onion soup is a comforting classic, but its unique flavor profile – rich broth, sweet caramelized onions, melted cheese, and often a crouton – can make wine pairing a bit of a challenge. It’s not simply about finding a red or a white; it’s about understanding how the wine interacts with the soup’s various elements.
The Challenges of Pairing
The soup presents several pairing hurdles:
- Richness: The beef broth and melted cheese contribute a savory, umami depth.
- Sweetness: Caramelized onions impart a subtle sweetness that can clash with overly tannic wines.
- Saltiness: Salt is essential for balancing the sweetness, but too much can make wines taste harsh.
- Acidity: A touch of acidity is needed to cut through the richness and cleanse the palate.
Key Wine Characteristics for Success
To navigate these challenges, look for wines with the following characteristics:
- Acidity: A wine with good acidity is crucial to balance the richness of the soup. Think crisp and refreshing.
- Fruitiness: A touch of fruitiness can complement the caramelized onions.
- Earthiness: Earthy notes can enhance the savory elements of the soup.
- Moderate Tannins: Too many tannins will clash with the sweetness and saltiness. Go for smoother, softer tannins.
- Alcohol Level: Avoid wines with very high alcohol, as they can accentuate any bitterness in the soup.
Top Wine Recommendations
Here’s a breakdown of wine styles that work particularly well with French onion soup:
- Dry Sherry (Amontillado or Oloroso): The nutty, oxidative notes of dry Sherry, combined with its acidity, create a surprisingly harmonious pairing. Amontillado offers a lighter, more delicate profile, while Oloroso is richer and more intense. Try a chilled Amontillado for a refreshing contrast.
- Beaujolais: This light-bodied, fruity red from the Beaujolais region of France has bright acidity and soft tannins, making it an excellent match for the soup’s sweetness and richness. Look for wines from the “Cru” Beaujolais villages for more complexity.
- Burgundy (Pinot Noir): A light-bodied Burgundy with earthy notes can also work well. Opt for a Burgundy from a cooler vintage.
- Alsace White Wines (Riesling or Gewürztraminer): These aromatic white wines from Alsace often have a touch of residual sugar and high acidity, which can balance the richness and sweetness of the soup. Choose a “dry” or “off-dry” style.
- Dry Rosé: A dry rosé from Provence or a similar region can offer a refreshing and fruity counterpoint to the soup. Look for rosés with good acidity and minimal sweetness.
Understanding the Role of Cheese
The type of cheese used in the soup (typically Gruyère or Comté) also influences the pairing. Gruyère, with its nutty and slightly sweet flavor, pairs well with the suggestions above. Comté, which has a more pronounced nutty and earthy flavor, might benefit from a slightly bolder red wine, such as a light-bodied Rhone blend.
Quick Guide: Wine Pairings for French Onion Soup
| Wine Type | Characteristics | Why it Works |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Sherry | Nutty, Oxidative, High Acidity | Complements the savory broth and caramelized onions, cuts through richness. |
| Beaujolais | Fruity, Light-bodied, Soft Tannins | Balances sweetness, adds fruitiness, doesn’t overpower the soup. |
| Burgundy | Earthy, Light-bodied, High Acidity | Enhances savory notes, cuts through richness. |
| Alsace Whites | Aromatic, High Acidity, Off-Dry (optional) | Balances richness and sweetness, offers aromatic complexity. |
| Dry Rosé | Fruity, High Acidity, Refreshing | Provides a crisp and refreshing counterpoint to the soup. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I pair a Cabernet Sauvignon with French onion soup?
No, Cabernet Sauvignon is generally too tannic and bold for French onion soup. Its high tannins can clash with the sweetness of the onions and the saltiness of the broth, resulting in a bitter taste.
What about a Chardonnay?
A lightly oaked or unoaked Chardonnay can sometimes work, especially if the soup is not overly rich. The acidity of the Chardonnay can cut through the soup’s richness, but avoid heavily oaked Chardonnays, which can overwhelm the delicate flavors.
Is Pinot Grigio a good choice?
Pinot Grigio is generally too light and neutral to stand up to the flavors of French onion soup. It lacks the acidity and complexity needed to complement the dish.
What if I don’t drink alcohol?
For a non-alcoholic pairing, consider a high-quality beef broth or consommé, served warm. Its savory flavors will complement the soup nicely. Alternatively, sparkling cider provides a refreshing and acidic counterpoint.
My French onion soup is very salty. Which wine should I choose?
If your soup is particularly salty, opt for a wine with a slightly higher level of sweetness to balance the saltiness. An off-dry Riesling from Alsace would be an excellent choice.
What’s the best temperature to serve the wine?
Serve red wines like Beaujolais and Burgundy slightly chilled, around 60-65°F. White wines like Riesling and rosé should be well-chilled, around 45-50°F. Dry Sherry can be served chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
Does the bread used for the crouton affect the wine pairing?
The bread generally doesn’t significantly impact the wine pairing, but a crusty, sourdough bread can add a pleasant textural element.
Can I pair beer with French onion soup?
Yes! A Belgian Dubbel or a malty brown ale can work well, as their rich flavors and slightly sweet notes complement the soup. Avoid hoppy IPAs, which can clash with the flavors.
What if I add wine to the French onion soup recipe?
If you add wine to the soup itself, it’s generally best to use a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Sherry. This will enhance the flavors without making the soup too acidic or overpowering.
Is there a regional wine pairing that’s particularly good?
Pairing French onion soup with a Beaujolais from the Beaujolais region of France is a classic and regionally appropriate choice. The wine’s fruitiness and acidity beautifully complement the soup’s flavors.
What’s the easiest wine to find that pairs well?
Beaujolais is often the easiest wine to find and offers a reliable and enjoyable pairing with French onion soup. It’s widely available in most wine shops and supermarkets.
How important is the quality of the wine for a successful pairing?
While an expensive wine isn’t necessary, choosing a well-made wine from a reputable producer will significantly enhance the pairing experience. The wine’s complexity and balance will complement the soup in a more satisfying way.