It’s National Pretzel Day today. So back with us to chat about pairings for this treat is Natalie MacLean, author of the new memoir, Wine Witch on Fire: Rising from the Ashes of Divorce, Defamation, and Drinking Too Much.
Welcome back Natalie.
First off, what is a pretzel?
In the 7th century, monks rewarded their students with baked bread in the shape of crossed arms, to symbolize prayer and the three holes representing the Holy Trinity. Pretzels were originally called “bracellae” which is Latin for “little arms,” but were renamed to “pretiola” which meant little reward. They were made from flour and salt, so they also fit into strict dietary guidelines for Lent when meat, dairy and chocolate bunnies were prohibited.
They became an increasingly popular treat across Europe, and eventually the pretzel represented another trinity of good luck, long life and prosperity.
Which wine would you pair with the traditional pretzel?
The traditional pretzel is a stadium classic, whether we’re talking about a good old gladiator fight in the Roman Colosseum or a Blue Jays baseball game. This is a baked pretzel with soft dough, brushed with butter over that crunchy salted on top and served warm, I’d pair this with Mer Soleil Unoaked Silver Chardonnay.
Mer Soleil Silver Unoaked Chardonnay
Monterey County, California, United States
What about a pretzel brushed with cinnamon sugar?
Quails’ Gate Estate Winery Riesling Icewine
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, BC V.Q.A., Canada
What about a hard pretzel?
Hard pretzels are believed to be invented by German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania. The state produces 80% of pretzels consumed in the US. In 1983, their governor created National Pretzel Day in a savvy, some would say twisted, marketing move.
Beringer Main & Vine Pinot Grigio
California, United States
With a hard pretzel, I’d try this Beringer Main & Vine Pinot Grigio.
What about new flavours of pretzels, like the Parmesan Garlic you brought today?
With the great cheesey garlic flavour in these pretzels, I’d try this Austrian Gruner Veltliner.
Domäne Wachau Terrassen Federspiel Grüner Veltliner
Wachau Qualitätswein, Austria
What about peanut butter filled pretzels?
Dow’s Colheita Tawny Port 1997
Porto, Douro D.O.C., Portugal
Which type of pretzel would you pair with your new memoir?
Hot Buffalo Wing Sauce pretzels since this book is about being the hot seat and rising again from the flames.
Posted with permission of CTV.
