It’s finally here, everybody. That’s right. We’re talking about soup season. Here are 12 soup and wine pairings that will keep you warm on chilly fall nights! Some would argue (and we would not disagree) that soup is the perfect fall food. Warm and comforting, it’s basically coziness in a bowl.
Plus, if you like getting creative in the kitchen, then you know just how much fun it is to experiment with a new ingredient or two in your favorite soup recipe. Of course, the only way to improve upon an excellent bowl of soup is with the perfectly paired wine. So, how do you choose the right vino? We’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a broth boss or a chowder hound, this guide is here to help you find a great match to your favorite fall soups and stews.
1. Chicken Noodle
Classic chicken noodle is easily paired with either a light red wine like Pinot Noir, or a medium-bodied white wine like Chenin Blanc. If you prefer your chicken soup creamy, go with a Viognier – a slightly more robust white wine. For Greek style lemony chicken soup, you’ll want a Sauvignon Blanc or slightly fizzy Vinho Verde. The citrus notes and bright acidity in these white wines will make a good match for the fresh lemon in the soup.
Bright Cellars' Wellfleet Vigonier
For this soup and wine we like to go with Bright Cellars Wellfleet Viognier. This white wine has flavor notes of rose, lemon, cantaloupe, and orange blossom.
2. Pumpkin or Butternut Squash Soup
Creamy and smooth pumpkin – and butternut squash – soup is often flavored with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and sometimes curry. You’ll want a white wine with delicate flavors and a kick of acidity to cut through the creaminess of this soup. Go with a crisp light-bodied white wine like Pinot Gris or Verdejo.
3. Beef Stew
Beef stew pairs well with a red wine that can stand up to red meat. Pair this hearty stew with a medium- to full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, or Carménère. If you prefer white wine, you could go with an off-dry aromatic Gewürztraminer.
4. Tomato Soup
You already know that tomato soup pairs well with a toasty grilled cheese. Complement this delectable combo with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti. The red fruit notes, hint of earth, and bright acidity in Chianti makes it a great pairing for tomato-based dishes. Merlot – a medium-bodied red with notes of plum and cherry – is also a solid choice.
We like to pair tomato soup with a glass of Jetbird Merlot. This red wine has flavor notes of baking spices, raspberry, and cherry.
5. Chicken Tortilla Soup
This hearty and flavorful soup pairs well with a medium-bodied red wine like Rioja. This popular Spanish wine is made with Tempranillo grapes. With notes of cherry, plum, and vanilla, it goes well with light proteins and has enough acidity to cut through the creaminess of this soup.
6. Split Pea
Whether you like your split pea soup vegetarian or with chunks of ham, a light-bodied off-dry Riesling makes a great pairing. The aromatic notes of honey and beeswax add a lovely dimension to this savory soup.
7. Mushroom Soup
When it comes to creamy mushroom, mushroom barley, or any soup where mushrooms are the star of the show, Pinot Noir is a good choice. This light-bodied red has bright fruit notes and a hint of earthiness that goes well with hearty mushrooms. If you’re looking for a white wine, try a lightly oaked Chardonnay.
8. Seafood Soup
Whether you’re enjoying a creamy New England clam chowder or a lobster bisque, the briny flavors in seafood-based soups pair well with a brightly acidic white wine with citrusy notes. Sauvignon Blanc is a great choice because of its zingy acidity and notes of grapefruit and gooseberry.
Pair this soup with a glass of Hazelaire Sauvignon Blanc. White white wine has flavor notes of green apple, gooseberry, and lemon zest.
9. Veggie Soup
For minestrone or any kind of vegetable soup, a dry rosé makes a nice pairing. The refreshing taste and bright fruity notes in rosé provide a good contrast to the earthy flavors in veggie soup.
10. French Onion
French onion soup is perfect anytime you’re craving a block of cheese, but want to make it a meal. Savory French onion pairs well with a light and fruity red wine like Beaujolais. If you’re looking for a white wine, go with an unoaked Chardonnay or white Burgundy.
11. Pho
Whether you’re ordering in or making it at home, this Vietnamese favorite is the perfect antidote to cold weather. Pair your pho with a fizzy Crémant rosé. The fruity notes in sparkling rosé contrast nicely with the umami in this soup.
12. Corn Chowder
As far as soups go, corn chowder is basically the ultimate comfort food. Rich and creamy, this soup pairs well with an off-dry Riesling. The acidity of the wine will cut through the creaminess of the chowder.
We like to pair a glass of Gladiolus Riesling with our corn chowder. This sweet white wine has flavor notes of peach, lime, and honeysuckle.
