Best Drinks to Pair with Couscous

Welcome, and thank you for your interest in perfecting the art of pairing drinks with couscous, a cherished dish from the Maghreb region dating back to approximately the 9th century. Known for its characteristic spicy taste, couscous can be paired with a variety of beverages depending on the ingredients and seasonings used. Today, we will focus on how wine can enhance your couscous dining experience.

The Art of Pairing Wines with Couscous

Understanding the Basics

Choosing the right wine to accompany couscous can significantly elevate your meal. The selection can vary based on the chosen recipe. For dry white wines like Viognier, riesling, or Chardonnay or full-bodied reds like Grenache, merlot, or Syrah, each has its place at the table.

Mint Tea: a Classic Choice

Although our focus leans towards wine, one cannot discuss traditional couscous accompaniments without mentioning mint tea. Especially when enjoying a spicier rendition of this dish, sipping on refreshing mint tea helps offset those intense flavours.

In preparing for what lies ahead in this guide, bear in mind that food and wine pairings are largely dependent on personal preferences and type of couscous.

Choosing a Red Wine to Complement Your Couscous

Fruity Red Wines

A fruity red wine such as Gamay, pinot noir or Cabernet franc is an excellent choice when serving a traditional three-meat couscous. These wines boast silky tannins that beautifully harmonise with spices in the dish. Notable picks include Côtes de Provence or Corbières.

Bold Red Wines

When it comes to a couscous royal, dare to step off the beaten path. Full-bodied reds like Grenache, merlot or Syrah offer a complexity that matches this dish’s rich flavours.

Let us now explore a lighter alternative to red wine: rosé.

Rosé Wine and Couscous: the Refreshing Match

Chilled Rosé for Spicy Dishes

Opting for a chilled rosé such as Grenache, cinsault or Syrah is particularly fitting when your couscous leans towards the spicier side. The cooling effect of the wine acts as a soothing counterbalance to the heat of the dish.

Now let’s switch gears and look at an unexpected but delightful match: white wines.

White Wine, an Unexpected Companion for Couscous

Dry Whites Wonders

Although not traditional, a dry white wine can beautifully enhance your couscous experience. Varieties such as Viognier, riesling or Chardonnay can offer a vibrant contrast to this hearty dish.

Before we wrap up, let’s go over some advice and potential pitfalls in pairing wines with couscous.

Tips and Traps to Avoid with Couscous and Wine Pairings

Selecting Based on Personal Preference

The most important rule when matching food and wine is to select what you enjoy drinking. After all, the best pairing is one that brings you pleasure.

Beware of Spice Levels

Likewise, consider spice levels when choosing your wine. Highly spiced dishes may compete too strongly with delicate whites or overpower subtle reds. A rosé or a bolder red could be the perfect solution here.

Ultimately, there are no rigid rules when it comes to pairing wine with couscous. It’s more of an art form where you can experiment and explore until you find your perfect combination. So why not open a bottle of your favourite vino tonight and see how it complements this flavorful dish ? The results might surprise you !