Chateraise is a popular confectionery chain where you can enjoy authentic flavors at reasonable prices.
While Chateraise is strongly associated with sweets, it is also known as "a shop with delicious wine," owning Chateraise Belle Foret Winery in Yamanashi Prefecture.
This time, we introduce techniques to easily enjoy wine "pairing," which is often thought to have a high hurdle.
Culinary expert Kinuko Oda introduces wine pairing recipes using Chateraise wines and products.
Not only wine beginners, but wine lovers should definitely check them out as well.
The Definitive Daily Wine! "Fresh Wine from the Barrel"
Chateraise is a shop that carries a wide variety of wines, but particularly popular among them is "Fresh Wine from the Barrel."
It is known for its unique sales style where unfiltered, unpasteurized fresh wine is sold by volume directly from barrels inside the store, with buyers purchasing an empty bottle in advance. (The nostalgic "refillable returnable bottle" style)
With "Fresh Wine from the Barrel," you can enjoy various flavors starting with Red (Cabernet Sauvignon) and White (Chardonnay), as well as Merlot, Koshu, and limited-time grape varieties.
What we prepared this time is "Fresh Wine from the Barrel (White) Chardonnay."
Chardonnay is a world-famous white grape variety, and if you are a wine beginner, it is a variety you should definitely try first.
"Fresh Wine from the Barrel (White) Chardonnay" features fresh citrus nuances, nutty tones, and floral aromas.
It is a high-quality finish with a slightly light mouthfeel, a flavor that gives a sense of volume, and pleasant, lively acidity.
It offers an authentic taste that expresses the charm of Chardonnay in a well-balanced way, simple yet with a sense of complexity.
It is a bottle you will want to drink every day, seemingly easy to pair with a wide range of dishes.
Casual Wine Pairing with Chateraise
The appeal of Chateraise lies in its wide selection of items.
Wine "pairing," which is considered a bit daunting for wine beginners, can be accomplished using only Chateraise products.
This time, we paired "Fresh Wine from the Barrel (White) Chardonnay" with the following items.
- "Fried Mochi Rice Crackers Salt (Small Bag)"
- "Bake-as-is Pizza Margherita"
- "Shinano Pork and Bamboo Shoot Keema Curry"
We introduce exquisite recipes arranging these items to pair with "Fresh Wine from the Barrel (White) Chardonnay."
Okaki and Smoked Salmon Marinade
Serves 2
Smoked salmon: 100g
Fried mochi rice crackers (salt): 1/2 bag
Yuzu juice: 1 tsp
Olive oil: 1 tbsp
Black pepper: As needed
Chopped parsley: 2 tsp
1. Arrange the smoked salmon on a plate and scatter the okaki crackers over it.
2. Drizzle with yuzu juice and olive oil, and sprinkle with black pepper.
3. Scatter parsley on top.
- Point
★Because the okaki are nicely bite-sized, use them as they are or crush them. Adding the savoriness and crunch of the okaki to the smoked salmon, along with parsley and a drizzle of yuzu for a Japanese touch, enhances compatibility with the wine.
- Pairing Comments
★The crispy texture of the okaki matches the texture of the wine. The acidity and citrus aroma of the yuzu act as a bridge, creating a well-balanced pairing. Another key point is that the wine's acidity refreshes the saltiness of the okaki and the richness of the smoked salmon.
Prosciutto and Kale Margherita
Serves 2
Bake-as-is Pizza Margherita: 1
Kale: 1 leaf
Prosciutto: 40g
Lemon zest: Zest of 1/2 lemon
Olive oil: As needed
1. Bake the Margherita pizza in a toaster oven.
2. Scatter the kale torn into bite-sized pieces and the prosciutto on top.
3. Sprinkle the lemon zest over (2) and drizzle with olive oil.
- Point
★Add prosciutto, kale, and lemon to the classic Margherita. The subtle bitterness and freshness of kale pair wonderfully with white wine. The elongated shape of the frozen pizza is convenient to handle and looks beautifully presented.
- Pairing Comments
★A pairing where the wine cleanses the complex flavors of cheese, tomato sauce, kale, lemon, and prosciutto. Because the wine's acidity lingers nicely on the finish, the aftertaste remains crisp and keeps you coming back for more.
French Fries with Curry Yogurt
Frozen French fries: 120g
Frying oil: As needed
Pork and Bamboo Shoot Keema Curry: 1 pouch
Miso: 2 tsp
Greek yogurt: 2 tbsp
Black pepper: As needed
Chopped green onions: 1 tbsp
1. Deep-fry the frozen potatoes in oil and arrange them on a dish.
2. Heat the keema curry in a microwave and pour it over (1).
3. Top (2) with Greek yogurt and green onions, and sprinkle with black pepper.
- Point
★A dish made using keema curry and frozen fries, with miso added to the curry for extra umami and depth. Incorporating strained yogurt, green onions, and black pepper dramatically improves the match with white wine.
- Pairing Comments
★Because the curry is not overly spicy, the heat does not clash with the wine. The rich depth of miso, the sweetness of the potatoes, and the flavors of green onion and black pepper go wonderfully with the simple flavor of Chardonnay. It also pairs well with the flavor and creaminess of yogurt, making this a recommended pairing made possible precisely because of the wine's neutral taste.
Enjoy Casual Pairings at Chateraise!
When people hear "wine pairing," many naturally brace themselves.
At Chateraise, you can easily and pleasantly create highly satisfying pairings without overthinking things.
The simple profile of "Fresh Wine from the Barrel (White) Chardonnay" pairs easily with a wide array of dishes, and it is no exaggeration to call it the definitive daily wine for everyday use.
Taking inspiration from Oda's recipes, be sure to challenge yourself to wine "pairings" using wines and items from Chateraise.
Reference
Culinary Expert / Molecular Nutrition Advisor
Olive Oil Sommelier
Kinuko Oda
As a culinary expert and olive oil sommelier, she has developed numerous tapas and home-cooked dishes that highlight the unique character of wine.
Currently, she focuses on small-group wine & tapas events.
Valuing "being reproducible at home and genuinely delicious rather than difficult theories," she shares how to enjoy wine in accessible terms for beginners.
In addition, based on molecular nutrition, she is acclaimed for "dietary tips that care for the body while enjoying wine," proposing "wine time that lightens the heart and body" for mature generations.