It may surprise you to discover that cannabis and wine actually pair together incredibly well. This is due to a variety of compounds, chemicals, and substances within each - though namely terpenes which are responsible for aroma and taste.
What gives each of them their flavor
Weed and wine have a lot in common – especially as far as scent and taste. Wine derives its flavors from a wondrous mixture of sugars, yeasts, terpenes, pyrazines, and a lot of other oddly named chemicals and substances. For instance, Botrytis Cinerea is one of these. It is a mold that grows on grapes. This mold is the key to the deep, honey flavor found in Tokaji grapes. Tokaji grapes are one of the many varieties used to create wine.
Marijuana and wine contain the same flavor and scent substances called terpenes. They lend a fruity flavor of the Blueberry Haze strain or the floral note in a Sauvignon Blanc. Terpenes are so abundant in both that over one hundred have been found in weed, and fifty in wine.
Wine, weed, terpenes, and scent
Terpenes are not the only thing that gives a wine or marijuana strain its scent. There are other factors involved. However, Terpenes are responsible for a large amount of the scent that you get from both.
When you inhale the vapors from wine or break open a bud and enjoy the aromas, your senses are reacting to the many shared terpenes of both. The smells can be as intoxicating as the effect of imbibing either substance.
You may have been able to put together that both wine and weed share many of the same aromatic notes, namely: floral, spicy, earthy, herbal, and fruity. There are many more scents that you can use to describe both weed and wine, but I believe they are subtypes of the ones we have already mentioned.
Pairing weed with wine
We now have an idea of the shared aromatic and flavor profiles of both marijuana and wine. We know that some strains share flavors and scents. How do we tie it all together into an enjoyable experience? We need to pair them.
The art of pairing weed and wine happens when you look at multiple factors of each of the two and see how they will work with one another. What sort of weed goes with a Sauvignon Blanc? What wine do you pair with White Widow?
Here is a list of cannabis strains and wines you can pair them with:
AMS Supreme, Pot of Gold, and White Widow pair well with:
- Pinot Noir
- Syrah
- Grenache
Limoncello Haze, OG Kush, and Tangie pair well with:
- Chardonnay
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Albariño
Candy Kush, Jack O'Lantern, and M.O.A.B. pair well with:
- Pinot Gris
- Vermentino
- New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
M.O.A.B., Northern Lights and Mega Jackpot pair well with:
- Zinfandel
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Petit Sirah
Super Skunk, Northern Lights, and Pineapple Express pair well with:
- Rose
- Torrontes
- Gewurztraminer
Caramelicious, Green Crack, and Amnesia Trance pair well with:
- Muscat
- Riesling
- Viognier
- Nebbiolo
Information gathered from The Herb Somm Terpene & AromaPairing Guide
Basically, you should be pairing lighter strains with white wines and bolder strains with reds. Doing this will help enhance the qualities of both the weed and the wine.
Wine and buds together
In addition to California, where cannabis-infused wine is currently being produced and sold on a commercial basis, the concept of combining weed and wine has also gained attention in European wine-making countries. These regions have long been renowned for their rich winemaking traditions and diverse grape varietals, making them an intriguing backdrop for exploring the possibilities of pairing cannabis strains with different wines.
Europe boasts a multitude of countries with esteemed wine-making traditions, such as France, Italy, Spain, and Germany, among others. Each country has its unique grape varieties, wine styles, and terroirs, providing a wide range of flavors and aromas that can potentially harmonize with various cannabis strains.
Imagine savoring a bold red wine from Bordeaux, France, alongside a strain like OG Kush or White Widow. The robust tannins and dark fruit notes of the Bordeaux blend can create a complementary taste experience when enjoyed alongside the earthy, spicy undertones of these cannabis strains. The interplay of flavors and aromas can elevate the overall sensory experience, adding depth and complexity to each sip and inhalation.
Alternatively, let's explore the enchanting wines of Italy. With its diverse wine regions and grape varieties, Italy offers a wealth of options for pairing with cannabis strains. Picture indulging in a glass of Chianti, known for its medium body and vibrant acidity, alongside Limoncello Haze or Limoncello Kush CBD. The zesty citrus notes of the wine can intertwine with the citrusy terpenes found in these cannabis strains, creating a harmonious fusion of flavors that tickles the palate.
Heading to Spain, the land of Rioja and Tempranillo, you can experiment with pairing Candy Kush or Jack O'Lantern with a robust red like Rioja Reserva. The well-integrated oak flavors, red berry fruit, and hints of spice in the wine can interact with the earthy, herbal notes of the cannabis strains, enhancing the overall tasting experience and offering a delightful interplay of flavors.
Venturing further into Germany, renowned for its Riesling wines, you can explore the delicate balance between Lavender OG, LA Confidential, or Amnesia Trance and the aromatic nuances of a crisp Riesling. The floral and stone fruit aromas in both the wine and cannabis can intertwine, creating a symphony of scents that dances on the senses. The slight sweetness of the Riesling can also provide a pleasant contrast to the herbal and earthy undertones of the cannabis strains.
European wine-making countries offer an abundance of opportunities for enthusiasts to delve into the art of pairing cannabis strains with different wines. However, it's important to remember that taste is subjective, and personal preferences play a significant role in determining which combinations work best for you.
As with any culinary or sensory exploration, it's crucial to approach these pairings with an open mind and a sense of curiosity. Start by experimenting with lighter strains alongside white wines and bolder strains with reds, as this general guideline can help enhance the qualities of both the weed and the wine. However, don't be afraid to break the rules and trust your own palate.
Embrace the journey of discovering new flavor profiles and the harmonies that emerge when cannabis and wine come together. The combination of these two beloved substances can provide a unique and enjoyable experience, allowing you to appreciate the intricate interplay of aromas, flavors, and textures. So, raise a glass and roll a joint, as you embark on your own path to becoming a cannabis and wine connoisseur, exploring the boundless possibilities that European wine-making countries have to offer.
