Photo Source: M. Anglada
From October 1-31, Clink Different is partnering with top restaurants to showcase unexpected wines from Germany and Bordeaux, available by the glass and through unique tasting experiences. Keep reading for a peek at participating restaurants in California, Florida and Texas, featuring their must-try wine and food pairings.
California
Check out a full list of participating restaurants here!
Sushi Note
Sushi Note, home to LA’s finest omakase experience, suggests pairing the yellowtail and green scallion Negihama with German Muskateller for its fruity and floral notes that complement the sushi’s bold flavors. “The assertive green scallions need an equally powerful partner, and Muskateller delivers a punch that invigorates for a classic combination.”
Spago
Known for its classic, Italian-inspired Californian cuisine, Spago highlights Squid Ink Farfalle with Maine Lobster and Preserved Meyer Lemon. Pair this unique fare with a German Riesling Feinherb for a harmonious balance of richness and acidity. Or, keep it simple with Hokkaido Scallop Tartare and a crisp Bordeaux Blanc.
Wife and the Somm
Wife and the Somm’s menu features seasonal dishes crafted from high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. From cheese and charcuterie to rich roasted duck breast, the bold and fruity Château Maucaillou “Le B de Maucaillou” Bordeaux Supérieur is the perfect pairing for many items on the menu. The team also recommends pairing Roman-style Suppli with German Riesling for bright acidity and floral notes that enhance savory flavors: “People are definitely surprised at how well they pair together.”
Verse
At Verse, guests can enjoy live music while sipping on carefully curated wines. Try pairing a dry German Riesling with Peruvian scallops, served on an open shell with diced sweet peach and seafoam. “The salinity and sweetness of the dish are balanced by the bright acid and zippy citrus flavors of the Riesling, while the stone fruit flavors mesh with the peach in the dish. It’s a stunning unexpected combination.”
Plus, look out for more participating restaurants like Anajak, a neighborhood bistro serving up Thai specialties, and contemporary Californian restaurant Kali for German and Bordeaux wine pairings in California throughout October!
Florida
Check out a full list of participating restaurants here!
Water Lion
A cozy wine bar serving elevated appetizers, Water Lion suggests the Natürlich Weinreich “Tacheles,” a white German blend, with their pickled vegetable dishes. This skin-contact wine’s bright and textured profile, along with subtle briny notes, complements the house-made pickles beautifully.
L’Atelier
For a unique dining experience, L’Atelier recommends its Summer Vegetable Tartelette, featuring Kaluga Caviar, smoked bacon, and a carrot condiment, with a Bordeaux rosé—specifically Château Petit Val’s ‘Rose du Val’. “The flavor profiles work really well together; the structural balance of the variety has an elegant yet aromatic intensity, enriching the taste of the tartelette.”
Ariete
Located in historic Coconut Grove, Ariete suggests pairing its Florida Lobster au poivre with a fuller-bodied German white, such as a Riesling from the Rheingau or Grauburgunder, to enhance the dish’s rich flavors. Try a Cabernet Sauvignon-forward Bordeaux blend, like Château d’Arsac “Le Kid d’Arsac” from Margaux, with foie gras or venison for a heartier pairing.
Macchialina
A favorite among critics and locals, Macchialina pairs Beurer Rotgut, a biodynamic red blend from Germany, with salumi, cheeses, and vegetable antipasti. “It’s medium-bodied and doesn’t overpower but has wonderfully complex, earthy touches.”
Klaw
At Klaw, expertise and technique define the restaurant’s philosophy. They recommend pairing their succulent crab, brimming with a delicate sweetness and natural brininess, with Château Lagrange “Les Fleurs du Lac” Bordeaux Blanc. The wine’s crisp minerality accentuates the freshness of the seafood.
Boia De
The intimate, chef-driven restaurant Boia De recommends pairing the Zucchini Cestini with Squash Blossoms—characterized by its balance of sharp pecorino, delicate zucchini and lemon zest—with August Kessler’s “Lorch” Riesling Kabinett from the Rheingau, which complements the tangy cheese with orchard fruit notes.
Texas
Check out a full list of participating restaurants here!
Gusto
Neighborhood trattoria Gusto recommends pairing their whole roasted branzino with the Borell-Diehl St. Laurent Rosé from Germany, as its subtle herbal undertones beautifully harmonize with the fish’s rich flavors.
Additionally, don’t miss Mediterranean wine bar Gracia and innovative Gina’s on Congress, both participating restaurants that will be featuring exciting German and Bordeaux wine offerings all month long!
Want to find more Clink Different events near you? Be sure to check our Events page or follow @ClinkDifferent on Instagram and Facebook for updates and more opportunities to taste the wines of Germany and Bordeaux.