Spinach Salad & Wine
Baby Spinach with Warm Bacon Dressing
A classic American spinach salad features baby spinach wilted under a warm vinaigrette of bacon fat, cider vinegar, and a touch of sugar, topped with crispy bacon lardons, sliced mushrooms, and hard-boiled egg. The warm dressing and earthiness need earthy, fruity wines.
Best Wine Pairings
Gamay's juicy cherry fruit and light earthy notes are perfect with the warm bacon and mushroom components.
Bright acidity and plum fruit — its freshness cuts through the bacon richness while complementing the mushrooms.
Racy acidity and minerality contrast the warm richness of the dressing beautifully.
Earthy, dry rosé with enough presence to match the warm, meaty dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What wine goes with spinach salad?
Light, earthy reds like Beaujolais or Barbera are excellent with the warm bacon dressing and mushrooms. If you prefer white, a high-acid Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc works well.
Does the warm dressing affect wine pairing?
Yes — the warmth amplifies flavours, so you need a wine with enough presence to hold its own. A room-temperature light red or a full-bodied white works better than a delicate, chilled white.
Can you drink red wine with spinach salad?
Absolutely — spinach salad is one of the few salads where a light red really shines. The earthy Gamay in Beaujolais harmonises with the wilted spinach and earthiness of mushrooms.