Bernkasteler Lay

Seafood and Shellfish

• Oysters: The crisp, refreshing acidity and minerality of the wine beautifully complement the brininess of oysters, creating a clean and balanced pairing.
• Lobster with Lemon Butter: The sweet, rich flavor of lobster paired with a lemon butter sauce works harmoniously with the wine’s bright citrus and honeyed notes.
• Grilled Fish: Light, flaky fish such as sole, trout, or branzino is a fantastic match, as the wine’s crispness cuts through the richness of the fish.
• Scallops: Seared scallops, especially with a citrus or light cream sauce, bring out the wine’s balance of sweetness and acidity.

Pasta and Risotto

• Shrimp or Seafood Risotto: The creamy richness of seafood risotto, especially with shrimp, crab, or mussels, pairs perfectly with the wine’s acidity and stone fruit character.
• Pasta with Pesto: A basil pesto pasta complements the wine’s herbal and citrus notes, creating a fresh, vibrant pairing.
• Lemon Risotto: A creamy lemon risotto highlights the citrusy qualities of the wine, creating a refreshing and balanced match.

Cheese Pairings

• Soft Cheeses: Mild, creamy cheeses like Burrata, Brie, and Camembert are excellent choices, as their creaminess contrasts beautifully with the wine’s acidity.
• Goat Cheese: Fresh goat cheese (especially when paired with honey or herbs) creates a nice balance with the wine’s fruitiness and minerality.
• Aged Gouda: The nutty, rich flavors of aged Gouda complement the wine’s sweet fruit and mineral undertones.

Spicy Dishes and Asian Cuisine

• Thai or Indian Cuisine: Spicy curries (especially green curry or chicken tikka masala) and stir-fries are a fantastic match, as the wine’s sweetness and acidity balance the heat and spices.
• Sushi: Sushi rolls with tuna, salmon, or even vegetarian options pair wonderfully, with the wine’s minerality enhancing the raw fish and vinegared rice.
• Spicy BBQ: Spicy BBQ chicken or pork ribs with a tangy barbecue sauce are a great pairing with Riesling, as the wine’s sweetness complements the smoky, spicy flavors.

Pâté and Charcuterie

• Duck Pâtéor Foie Gras: The richness of pâté or foie gras contrasts beautifully with the wine’s acidity, and the sweet notes of the wine elevate the savory richness.
• Charcuterie: Mild cured meats like prosciutto, bresaola, or salami pair nicely with the wine’s freshness and fruitiness.
• Cheese Plate: A selection of mild cheeses (such as goat cheese, Brie, or Gruyère) complements the wine’s balanced profile.

Vegetarian Dishes

• Grilled Vegetables: Lightly grilled vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or eggplant with olive oil and herbs pair well with the wine’s bright, mineral freshness.
• Vegetable Tempura: Crispy, lightly battered vegetables, such as sweet potatoes or green beans, enhance the wine’s texture and crisp finish.
• Apple or Pear Salad: A fresh salad with thinly sliced apples or pears, mixed greens, and a light vinaigrette complements the wine’s fruity and floral characteristics.

Dessert Pairings

• Fruit Tarts: A lemon tart, peach cobbler, or apple pie highlights the wine’s fruit-driven flavors and refreshing acidity.
• Cheesecake: A rich New York cheesecake with a fruit compote (like berry or mango) pairs beautifully with the wine’s balance of sweetness and acidity.
• Fruit Sorbet: Lemon or peach sorbet brings out the wine’s citrus notes and provides a refreshing contrast to its sweetness.