Burgundian Enjoyment: The Perfect Wine with 4 Belgian Classics

In Belgium, the dining table is sacred. Whether it's a quick Sunday snack or a leisurely dinner with friends, Belgians appreciate quality. But while people often blindly reach for a pint to accompany their national dishes, a huge opportunity is being missed. The right wine elevates these classics to a whole new level.

No complicated sommelier jargon, just practical advice for your next dinner.

1. Mussels and fries: The salty match

When the mussel pans arrive at the table, we seek freshness. The classic mistake? A too-heavy, oak-aged Chardonnay. That clashes with the briny flavor of the mussels and the aromas of celery and onion.

• The Match: Go for a Muscadet Sèvre et Maine or a sleek Picpoul de Pinet .

• Why: These wines are like a squeeze of lemon. They're fresh, minerally, and cut through the briny mussel flavor.

• Pro tip: Prefer a Belgian drink? A cool, crisp Chardonnay from your own country (without oak) also works fantastically.

2. Beef Stew: The Powerhouse Challenge

Beef stew is a tricky one for wine. You have the sweetness of the onions and the syrup of Liège, but also the acidity of the mustard and the beer. A light red wine is completely lost in this case.

• The Match: A sultry Primitivo from the heel of Italy or a robust Côtes du Rhône .

• Why: You need a full-bodied wine with ripe fruit to counter the rich sauce. The soft tannins of a Primitivo perfectly complement the slow-cooked beef without making it harsh in the mouth.

• Collection: Powerful red wines

3. Asparagus 'Flemish Way': The White Gold

Asparagus is known as "wine killer" because of its slightly bitter taste. A Sauvignon Blanc is often too "green" here, and a heavy red wine is an absolute no-go.

• The Match: The undisputed king is the Pinot Blanc from Alsace .

• Why: Pinot Blanc is round, soft, and mildly acidic. It complements the delicate flavor of the asparagus and the creaminess of the butter sauce and egg, without overwhelming the wine.

4. Shrimp croquettes & Bubbles: The Belgian Tradition

Did you know that Belgians are the world champions in sparkling wine consumption per capita? And rightly so! There's nothing better than a shrimp croquette with a good glass of bubbly.

• The Match: A quality Crémant or a dryCava .

• Why: The greasiness of the fried croquette calls for carbonation. The bubbles refresh your palate after every bite, making those gray shrimp stand out even more.

• Check out our bubbles: go to the sparkling wines .