Marrying food and wine
This is a delicious concept for wine lovers and for those who appreciate the finer things in life. Ramekins & Wine have constructed the simplest way to appreciate great English wines at home, these being paired with the ideal small bites.
Ramekins & Wine would be an outstanding gift for folks who want to learn more about wine, and especially English wine. Until a few years ago these had a deservedly iffy reputation. I personally avoided reviewing them, but things have changed. English wines are now being recognised and are now giving others a run for their money.
Each tasting box offers the very best wines from England, and little pots of food designed to complement them. Each pack includes the equivalent of a bottle of wine per head, split across 6 x 125ml sample bottles. These are clearly marked with the code number of the appropriate ramekin of food, and those miniature dishes are delicious and well-crafted. There is a bag of crunchy crostini to enjoy with the food.
Learn about the specific wine and food
The tasting note cards have plenty of information so you can learn about the specific wine and food. The sample October Menu includes bottles of Bolney Estate Pinot Gris 2018 with its pot of fresh-tasting English garden pea, roasted lemon and whipped feta. Hattingley Valley Still White 2020 is paired with aromatic and unmissable celeriac and apple crema (note to self – ask the chef for the recipe), and 36-month vintage cheddar. Chapel Down Kits Coty Chardonnay 2019 served with roast corn-fed chicken, anchovy pesto and chicken fat crumb was a rich winner. Gusbourne Mill Hill Pinot Noir Rose 2020 came with its caramelised pancetta, black olive, and heritage tomato. Litmus Pinot Noir 2018 was twinned with potted confit duck leg, foraged brambles and butter, which was festive party fare. Balfour Hush Heath Late Harvest Chardonnay 2018 was exceptional. I think I have found my go-to sweet wine. This is well worth a try. It was thoughtfully joined by lemon and elderflower set cream with caramelised filo. This was a wonderful and tangy finale to a delightful spread.
Ramekins & Wine offer all the goods to present your own evening (or two) of polished and memorable tastings. Yes, it would be wonderful for wine aficionados; but also for anybody who wants to feel more confident about presenting food and wine together. Ramekins & Wine provide the most delicious tools for discovering more. Just bring out glasses and perhaps a couple of plates, and enjoy the event.
Some consider me a reasonably accomplished reviewer but there are others who carry a lot more weight than do I. The Independent said “We were bowled over by the quality of the food and the sheer intensity of flavours packed into the teeny ramekins but especially loved just how well each dish matched the accompanying wine.” I couldn’t have said that better myself.