Potatoes, Carrots & Hearty Vegetable Wine Pairings

Root and hearty vegetables (such as carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, turnips, parsnips, and beets) have earthy, savory, and often slightly sweet flavors. The key to pairing wines with these vegetables is to focus on earthiness, richness, and the ability to complement their natural sweetness. Roasted, mashed, or served with herbs and spices, these vegetables pair well with wines that have good structure, moderate tannins, and an earthy profile.

Pairings for Roasted or Grilled Root Vegetables

Roasting or grilling enhances the natural sweetness and savory depth of root vegetables. Wines that are medium-bodied with bright acidity or earthy depth work well.

• Pinot Noir (Burgundy, Oregon, Sonoma): Light and earthy, with good acidity—ideal for roasted carrots, parsnips, or beets.
• Grenache (Southern Rhône, Priorat, Spain): Juicy and slightly spicy, this wine enhances the caramelization of roasted root vegetables.
• Merlot (California, Bordeaux): Soft tannins and smooth texture make it a good match for grilled root vegetables like sweet potatoes.
• Zinfandel (California): With its rich fruit and peppery spice, Zinfandel pairs well with roasted root vegetables that have a bit of char or spiciness.
• Chardonnay (Burgundy, California): An oaked Chardonnay can complement the richness of roasted root vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes.
• Sauvignon Blanc (Loire, New Zealand): Its crisp acidity and citrus notes are great with root vegetable medleys or herb-roasted vegetables.
• Grüner Veltliner (Austria): Zesty and slightly peppery, ideal for grilled or roasted root vegetables with rosemary or thyme.

Pairings for Soups, Mashed or Pureed Root Vegetables

When root vegetables are mashed or pureed (like mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, or carrot purée), the texture is creamy and the flavors become richer. Look for medium-bodied wines with a round mouthfeel that won't overpower the soft, creamy textures.

Root vegetables in stews or soups can become quite hearty and savory, so wines with more body and structure will work best.

• Syrah/Shiraz (Northern Rhône, Australia): Bold, with dark fruit and a touch of spice—perfect for hearty root vegetable stews or soups.
• Cabernet Franc (Loire, Chinon): Earthy and slightly herbal, it complements the earthy sweetness of mashed parsnips or turnips
• Viognier (Northern Rhône, California): Its fruity, floral notes complement the rich texture of mashed root vegetables like sweet potatoes or carrots.
• Chardonnay (California, Burgundy): A buttery, oaked Chardonnay pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes or parsnip purée.
• Dry Riesling (Alsace, Finger Lakes, Germany): A hint of sweetness and bright acidity balance the richness of mashed root vegetables like sweet potatoes or carrot purée.