For many, it's a spring and early summer classic: large, cooked artichokes, served cold with a vinaigrette. A sun-drenched table, fingers covered in vinaigrette, and leaf by leaf enjoyment until you reach that creamy heart. Pure simplicity, pure finesse. But… what do you serve with it? Maar… wat schenk je erbij?
Wine and Artichoke: A Notorious Pairing
Artichoke is one of those vegetables that can be tricky for wine lovers. Due to a natural compound called cynarin , the perception of wine can change – often becoming unpleasantly sweet or flat. Especially oak-aged white wines or tannic red wines tend to clash with artichoke. Luckily, there’s one wine that not only holds its ground, but truly shines alongside this dish: Vermentino from Liguria.
Luckily, there’s one wine that not only holds its ground, but truly shines alongside this dish : Vermentino from Liguria.
Vermentino from the Ligurian Coast
Our Vermentino comes from the far west of Liguria, near the French border. It’s a wine region where fresh sea air, stony soils, and Mediterranean herbs come together in the bottle. What makes this wine such a perfect match for artichoke?
Bright acidity – keeps the palate lively against the rich vinaigrette
Subtle bitterness – mirrors the earthy, green tones of the artichoke
Salty notes – add tension and depth
Herbal character – pairs beautifully with vinaigrettes featuring mustard or tarragon
This wine doesn’t shout, it whispers. Elegant and pure – just like the dish itself.
How to Serve It
Cook the artichokes in plenty of water with some salt, lemon, and bay leaf. Let them cool completely and serve with a classic vinaigrette (mustard, shallot, white wine vinegar, olive oil). Let everyone dip and scoop leaf by leaf.
Serve the Vermentino well chilled – around 10°C – in beautiful glasses, and let spring speak.
Discover the Pairing for Yourself
Onze Vermentino uit Ligurië is nu beschikbaar via onze webshop. Ideaal voor liefhebbers van pure smaken en verrassende combinaties. Zin om het zelf te proberen?
👉 https://www.leuvin.be/maria-donata-bianchi-vermentino-2023
Taste, pair, and be surprised – even by an artichoke.
