As a hospitality and wine expert, I’m thrilled to share a comprehensive wine pairing guide for the highly anticipated 2024 Paris Olympic Games. With the opening ceremony just around the corner on July 26th, 2024, it’s time to start planning the ultimate Olympic viewing experience – complete with delicious wine and food pairings that will elevate your celebrations.
Wines for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games
French Wines
When it comes to the grandeur and elegance of the Olympic opening ceremony, there’s no better choice than French sparkling wine. The effervescence, crispness, and flavorful profile of a Crémant de Limoux Brut make it a delightful option for toasting and celebrating the spirit of international unity. The zingy bubbles of this blend of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Mauzac perfectly mirror the focus and excitement of events like archery and shooting.
For the more graceful sports, such as diving, artistic swimming, and gymnastics, a Bordeaux White made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc is a refreshing and balanced choice. Its aromatic and vibrant notes of limestone, citrus, and green apple aromas create a delightful pairing with the elegance and technique showcased in these events.
Another French white that would be an excellent accompaniment for the precision-based sports is the Côtes du Rhône Belleruche Blanc from M. Chapoutier. This light and refreshing blend of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Viognier, Clairette, and Bourboulenc offers floral notes with a subtle touch of anise, complementing the outdoor environment where archery is typically practiced.
For the synchronous sports, such as water polo and synchronized swimming, the St-Joseph Les Granilites Blanc from the Rhône Valley is a 100% Marsanne white that excels in infusing winemaking with the finest artistry. Its consistency, power, and aromatic complexity make it an excellent choice to pair with the graceful movements and strategic gameplay of these events.
International Wines
Beyond the renowned French wines, the 2024 Olympic Games also present an opportunity to explore international varietals that can elevate your viewing experience. For the strategic sports like golf, tennis, and water polo, a Gewürztraminer from the Alsace region of France captures the essence of a Grand Slam tennis match or golfing event. Its fruit-driven notes provide a refreshing break between points or holes, while its aromatic intensity keeps the palate engaged.
For the vibrant beach sports like volleyball, a Côtes de Provence Rosé is an elegant and charming choice. The Tourmaline blend, composed of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Rolle, Carignan, Mourvèdre, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Tibouren, offers a beautiful pale, shiny pink color and a seductive, delicate taste of ripe red berries and white flowers.
When it comes to the endurance-based sports like triathlons, cycling, and swimming marathons, a Pinot Noir from the Loire Valley, with its notes of morello cherries, red berries, spices, and a hint of vanilla, is a chillable summer red that can withstand the demands of these events.
Sustainable Wine Choices
As we celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship and global unity, it’s important to consider the environmental impact of our choices. Fortunately, there are excellent sustainable wine options that can elevate your Olympic viewing experience while aligning with the games’ commitment to sustainability.
One such wine is the Château Magnol, a full-bodied red from the Médoc region of Bordeaux. This 2019 vintage, with its soft tannins, black fruit, and spicy aftertaste, is the perfect accompaniment for the competitive sports like rugby, hockey, and judo, which require physical strength, agility, and quick decision-making.
Another sustainable option is the Les Légendes line from the Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite, a Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend from the Médoc appellation. This robust and refined wine is an excellent choice for the intensity of boxing, wrestling, and weightlifting, reflecting the boldness and strength of these iconic sports.
Wine and Food Pairings
Classic Pairings
When it comes to pairing wine with the diverse array of cuisines featured during the Olympic Games, there are some timeless combinations that are sure to delight. For the French sparkling wines, a Gruyère cheese board or sushi and sashimi are elegant and refreshing pairings that complement the effervescence and acidity of the wines.
The Bordeaux Blanc and Côtes du Rhône Belleruche Blanc, with their citrus and mineral notes, are perfect matches for delicate seafood dishes, such as grilled sardines or a creamy fettuccine with clams.
Innovative Pairings
To truly elevate your Olympic viewing experience, don’t be afraid to experiment with more unexpected wine and food pairings. For the Gewürztraminer, the floral and lychee notes pair beautifully with Asian fare, such as spring rolls, vegetable fried rice, or rice noodles.
The Vouvray, with its graceful floral aromas and delicate fruit flavors, is an excellent complement to a green salad with grilled peach or nutty cheese.
Dietary Considerations
As you plan your Olympic viewing party, it’s important to consider the diverse dietary needs of your guests. For the Pinot Noir from the Loire Valley, a delicious pairing is the classic Camembert cheese, which brings out the wine’s complex flavors and relatively low tannin content.
For your vegetarian or vegan guests, the Bodega Argento Malbec makes an excellent choice, whether paired with an Impossible burger or aged cheddar or gouda cheese.
Hosting Wine Tastings
Event Planning
To truly immerse your guests in the spirit of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, consider hosting a wine tasting event featuring the diverse range of wines highlighted in this guide. Plan the event around the key sports and events, providing your guests with the opportunity to sample the perfect pairings for each discipline.
Tasting Techniques
When hosting your Olympic wine tasting, encourage your guests to engage all their senses. Have them observe the wine’s color, swirl it to release the aromas, and take a sip to experience the flavors and mouthfeel. Encourage discussion and comparison between the different wines, fostering a deeper appreciation for the art of wine pairing.
Guest Engagement
To make your Olympic wine tasting truly memorable, consider incorporating interactive elements that engage your guests. Perhaps a blind tasting challenge or a food pairing game that tests their knowledge of the recommended pairings. By creating an immersive and participatory experience, you’ll ensure your guests leave with a newfound appreciation for the world of wine and its ability to elevate the Olympic viewing experience.
As we eagerly anticipate the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, I hope this comprehensive wine pairing guide has inspired you to plan the ultimate Olympic viewing party, complete with diverse and delicious wine options that celebrate the global spirit of the games. Cheers to the athletes, the spirit of international unity, and the joy of wine and food pairing!