Whisky and wine may seem worlds apart, but for those who love a good dram, there’s a fascinating world of wines that share similar complexities, flavours, and depth. Whether you enjoy the smoky richness of an Islay Scotch, the delicate fruit of a Speyside malt, or the bold intensity of a Highland whisky, there’s a wine out there to match your palate.
In this guide, WGoS will explore four wines that we stock —Chablis, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and Pinot Noir—that Scotch lovers will appreciate, highlighting their flavour profiles, how they relate to whisky characteristics, and the best ways to enjoy them.
Why Whisky Lovers Should Explore Wine
Whisky drinkers often develop a refined appreciation for flavors, aromas, and textures. Much like whisky, wine is deeply influenced by its terroir, aging process, and production techniques. Both drinks share:
- Complexity & Layers: A great whisky unfolds with time, revealing spice, fruit, wood, and smoke—qualities also found in fine wine.
- Aging Influence: Whisky matures in oak barrels, imparting depth and character, much like certain wines aged in oak.
- Regional Variations: Just as Islay, Highland, and Speyside whiskies differ, so do wines from Burgundy, Bordeaux, or the Rhône Valley.
Now, let’s dive into four wines that whisky enthusiasts will appreciate.
1. Chablis – A Crisp, Mineral White for Lovers of Peaty & Coastal Whiskies
For Fans of: Islay and Coastal Whiskies (e.g., Lagavulin, Talisker, Oban)
Chablis, made from Chardonnay grapes in Burgundy, is a fantastic entry point for whisky lovers, particularly those who enjoy coastal, saline, and peaty single malts. Unlike many oaky Chardonnays, Chablis is typically unoaked, resulting in a pure, clean, and mineral-driven wine.
Why Whisky Lovers Will Enjoy It
- Minerality & Salinity: Like a maritime whisky, Chablis has a bracing minerality and freshness, reminiscent of sea spray and wet stone.
- Crisp Acidity: If you appreciate the zesty citrus notes in Talisker or Oban, you’ll love Chablis’ high acidity and green apple flavors.
- Purity of Expression: Just as Islay whisky showcases raw peat smoke, Chablis is known for its pure expression of terroir without heavy oak influence.
How to Enjoy Chablis
- Serve chilled at 10-12°C (50-54°F).
- Pair with oysters, smoked mackerel, or sushi, much like you would with a briny, coastal whisky.
- Opt for Premier Cru or Grand Cru Chablis for added depth and complexity.
- Try our Chade Éculle Chablis via our website!!
2. Sauvignon Blanc – A Zesty White for Fans of Speyside Whiskies
For Fans of: Speyside Malts (e.g., Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, Balvenie)
Sauvignon Blanc is known for its bright acidity, citrus notes, and herbal freshness, making it a perfect match for whisky lovers who enjoy Speyside’s fruity and floral single malts. Sauvignon Blanc comes in different styles, from the grassy, tropical expressions of Marlborough (New Zealand) to the more refined, flinty styles of Sancerre (France).
Why Whisky Lovers Will Enjoy It
- Zippy Acidity & Freshness: If you like the crisp green apple and pear notes of a Glenlivet 12-Year-Old, Sauvignon Blanc’s citrus and gooseberry character will appeal to you.
- Aromatic Complexity: Just as Speyside malts offer layers of vanilla, honey, and orchard fruit, Sauvignon Blanc delivers intense aromatics of passionfruit, elderflower, and fresh herbs.
- Lack of Oak (Usually): Many Sauvignon Blancs are unoaked, similar to how some Speyside whiskies retain a fresh, unadulterated fruitiness.
How to Enjoy Sauvignon Blanc
- Serve well-chilled at 8-10°C (46-50°F).
- Pair with goat’s cheese, Thai food, or grilled fish, much like a lighter, fruitier whisky would accompany delicate seafood.
- Try a bottle of our Kingscote Sauvignon Blanc from Sussex or Montmarin Horizon, a Sauvignon Blanc/Viognier blend from France, for a more structured, mineral-driven expression. Details on the website!
3. Syrah – A Bold Red for Peat and Smoke Lovers
For Fans of: Islay and Highland Whiskies (e.g., Laphroaig, Ardbeg, Highland Park)
Syrah (also known as Shiraz in Australia) is a powerhouse red wine, known for dark fruit, black pepper, smoke, and spice—qualities that resonate with lovers of bold, peaty whiskies. If you enjoy the campfire smoke and earthy depth of Laphroaig or Ardbeg, Syrah should be on your radar.
Why Whisky Lovers Will Enjoy It
- Smoky & Meaty Notes: Just as peaty whisky carries smoky and earthy flavors, Syrah often has a charred, gamey, and even peppery character.
- Deep, Dark Fruit: Lovers of sherry-aged whisky will appreciate Syrah’s blackberry, plum, and dark cherry flavors.
- Structured & Full-Bodied: Syrah’s firm tannins and spice give it a strong backbone, much like a Highland Park 18-Year-Old.
How to Enjoy Syrah
- Serve slightly below room temperature at 16-18°C (61-65°F).
- Pair with barbecue, venison, or charcuterie, similar to the bold dishes that complement smoky whisky.
- Try a Northern Rhône Syrah (e.g., Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie) for more refined, peppery notes, or an New Zealand Shiraz for a bolder, fruit-forward take.
- Try our de la terre Syrah 2017 from Hawkes Bay, New Zealand via our website!
4. Pinot Noir – A Delicate, Complex Red for Bourbon Cask Whisky Fans
For Fans of: Sherry & Bourbon Cask-Aged Whiskies (e.g., Macallan, GlenDronach, Dalmore)
Pinot Noir is a light-bodied but highly expressive red wine, known for its red fruit, earthiness, and silky texture—a great match for whisky lovers who enjoy the sherried richness of Macallan or the spiced warmth of a bourbon-cask GlenDronach.
Why Whisky Lovers Will Enjoy It
- Elegant Complexity: Pinot Noir’s layered flavors of cherry, raspberry, spice, and earthy forest floor mirror the depth found in a well-aged sherried whisky.
- Silky Texture: Much like how Macallan’s sherry-aged whisky glides over the palate, Pinot Noir’s fine tannins offer a smooth, lingering experience.
- Old World vs. New World: Burgundy Pinot Noirs are more restrained and earthy, while New Zealand or Californian Pinot Noirs offer juicier, fruit-forward expressions, much like the contrast between aged Scotch and a younger bourbon-cask whisky.
How to Enjoy Pinot Noir
- Serve slightly chilled at 14-16°C (57-61°F).
- Pair with duck, mushroom dishes, or roast chicken, similar to the foods that complement a well-aged whisky.
- Seek out Burgundy (France) or Central Otago (New Zealand) Pinot Noir for top-tier expressions.
- Be Daring……… check out our Brightwell Winery, Wallingford, England to get the Burdundian characteristics – an award winning wine at a fraction of the price – details on our website!
Final Thoughts
Whisky lovers don’t have to abandon their favorite spirit to enjoy wine. By exploring wines that share similar characteristics—whether it’s the minerality of Chablis, the freshness of Sauvignon Blanc, the bold spice of Syrah, or the elegance of Pinot Noir—you can expand your palate while appreciating the unique joys of both worlds.
So, next time you reach for a dram, consider pouring a glass of wine instead—you might just find a new favourite.
Slàinte! 🍷🥃