With a lingering winter chill in the air, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm, hearty bowl of soup. While soup is already a cozy cold-weather staple, the right wine pairing can take it to the next level, adding depth and enhancing its flavors. Just like any dish, the key is to match the wine to the soup’s texture and flavors. Light broths shine with crisp whites, while creamy or hearty soups pair well with fuller-bodied wines. This extra-cold winter has me reaching for cozy, flavorful soups, and a perfectly paired glass of wine brings it to the next level.
Chicken Noodle Soup & Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc
A classic bowl of chicken noodle soup is light yet comforting, with a savory broth, tender chicken, and bright herbs. To complement its delicate flavors, a crisp and zesty white wine like Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand is the perfect match. This Sauvignon Blanc bursts with citrus, green apple, and fresh herbal notes, which enhance the soup’s aromatic herbs like parsley and thyme. Its bright acidity cuts through the richness of the broth, keeping each sip and spoonful refreshing. The vibrant minerality of Craggy Range also mirrors the clean, homey feel of a well-made chicken noodle soup, creating a balanced pairing perfect for chilly days.
Italian Wedding Soup & Villa Matilde Greco di Tufo
For a perfect Italian pairing, look no further than Villa Matilde Greco di Tufo with a comforting bowl of Italian Wedding Soup. This classic soup, with its savory broth, tender meatballs, leafy greens, and delicate pasta, is beautifully complemented by the bright acidity and layered flavors of Greco di Tufo, a beloved white wine from Italy’s Campania region. With notes of ripe peach, citrus, almond, and a touch of minerality, this wine enhances the soup’s rich yet delicate character. Its crisp freshness brightens the broth, while the wine’s light nutty and herbal flavors complement the Parmesan and seasonings. Together, they create a simple yet refined Italian pairing that brings the true taste of Italy to every bite and sip.
Chicken Tortilla Soup & Michele Chiarlo Roero Arneis
The bold, zesty flavors of chicken tortilla soup—smoky spices, tangy tomatoes, and a hint of heat from chili—call for a wine that can balance its richness while enhancing its vibrant ingredients. Michele Chiarlo Roero Arneis, a refreshing white wine from Italy’s Piedmont region, is an excellent choice. With notes of ripe pear, citrus, and white flowers, it brings a bright contrast to the soup’s spice, while its crisp acidity cuts through the creamy textures of avocado, cheese, or sour cream toppings. Arneis also has a subtle almond-like finish that complements the toasty, earthy flavors of the tortilla strips, making each spoonful a treat.
Tomato Soup & Caposaldo Chianti
The bright, tangy flavors of tomato soup pair beautifully with the vibrant acidity and smooth red fruit notes of Caposaldo Chianti. This classic Italian red, with its flavors of ripe cherry, plum, and a hint of spice, complements the natural sweetness and acidity of tomatoes, creating a well-balanced sip with every spoonful. The wine’s subtle earthiness and soft tannins enhance the depth of the soup, especially if it’s made with roasted tomatoes or herbs like basil and oregano. If you’re serving it with a grilled cheese sandwich, Chianti’s lively character cuts through the richness of melted cheese, making this a cozy yet sophisticated pairing perfect for a chilly day.
Creamy Chicken Wild Rice & Louis Jadot Chablis Premier Cru
The rich, velvety texture of creamy chicken wild rice soup, with its tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and nutty wild rice, pairs beautifully with the crisp elegance of Louis Jadot Chablis Premier Cru. This Chardonnay, from the cool-climate vineyards of Chablis, is known for its bright acidity, minerality, and subtle notes of green apple, citrus, and white flowers. Unlike rich, oaky Chardonnays, this wine is crisp and refreshing, which helps balance the soup’s creamy texture instead of making it feel too heavy. Its bright, mineral-driven finish also brings out the earthy flavors of the wild rice and mushrooms, making this pairing both cozy and elegant.
Clam Cowder or Lobster Bisque & Champagne Taittinger
Rich, creamy seafood soups like clam chowder and lobster bisque call for a wine that can balance their decadence while enhancing their delicate oceanic flavors. Champagne Taittinger is a perfect match, thanks to its crisp acidity, fine bubbles, and elegant minerality. The bright citrus and toasty brioche notes in the Champagne cut through the creamy texture of the soup, keeping each bite feeling light and refined. Meanwhile, its subtle saline quality mirrors the briny sweetness of shellfish, creating a seamless harmony between the wine and the dish. Whether you’re enjoying the comforting heartiness of clam chowder or the silky indulgence of lobster bisque, a glass of Taittinger adds a touch of luxury to every spoonful.
French Onion Soup & Simple Grape Pinot Noir
The rich, caramelized flavors of French onion soup, with its deep, savory broth and melted cheese topping, pair wonderfully with the light, smooth character of Simple Grape Pinot Noir. This red wine offers bright red fruit notes like cherry and raspberry, along with soft tannins and a subtle earthy finish, making it a great match for the sweet and savory onions. The wine’s acidity helps balance the richness of the soup’s broth and cheese, while its delicate flavors don’t overwhelm the dish. Together, they create a harmonious pairing that’s both comforting and refined, perfect for a cozy meal.
Check out the perfect French bread recipe for soup dipping!
Ingredients:
1 Tablespoon yeast (9 grams)
1 Tablespoon white sugar (12 grams)
2 teaspoons kosher salt (12 grams)
2 1/2 cups warm water (about 590 grams)
6 – 6½ cups all-purpose flour (720 – 780 grams)
**Check out the rest of the recipe at the link above
No matter how cold it gets outside, a bowl of soup paired with the right wine can turn a simple meal into a comforting, elevated experience. Whether you’re enjoying the fresh, herbal notes of a crisp Sauvignon Blanc with chicken noodle soup or the luxurious bubbles of Champagne with clam chowder, each pairing enhances the flavors of the soup and makes for a perfect cozy treat. As the winter months wind down, these hearty soups with thoughtfully selected wines provide both comfort and sophistication to every meal.
