Food and wine pairings to enhance Mediterranean cuisine at Solis
At Solis, Mediterranean bar and restaurant in Paris 17, we believe that a meal takes on its full dimension when the dish and the wine complement each other.
It is in this spirit that we have created a map offood and wine pairings, designed so that each Mediterranean specialty finds its ideal partner in a carefully chosen glass.
There Mediterranean cuisine is a celebration of sunshine, freshness and sharing. Associated with Mediterranean wines expressive, it reveals all its aromatic richness.
In this article, discover how the art of food and wine pairings transforms a dinner into a true sensory journey.
Mezze: a festival of flavors and conviviality
Mezze is at the heart of the Mediterranean experience. At Solis, they come in a range of small, sharing plates rich in flavors and textures.
✨ Some essential examples:
- Buckwheat pancake with feta, spinach and honey - Agreement : Château des Tourtes | Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux 2023 – Sauvignon Blanc
- Swordfish skewer with bottarga vinaigrette - Agreement : Targé Castle | AOP Saumur 2019 – Chenin
- Fried anchovies with semolina, crushed tomatoes - Agreement : The Big Blue | IGP Méditerranée 2024 – Rolle, Grenache Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier and Sauvignon
- Chicken Pastilla - Agreement : Saint-Joseph Rouge | AOP Saint-Joseph 2021 – Marsanne
- Butternut & mushroom croquetas - Agreement : The Eagle | IGP Haute Vallée de l’Aude 2023 – Pinot noir
The salty freshness of the swordfish finds a beautiful echo in the minerality of the Targé Castle, for a delicate pairing. On the other hand, the generosity of the pastilla marries wonderfully with the power of a Saint Joseph, a structured red that elegantly envelops the palate.
The starters: elegance and balance
Our entries reflect the spirit of the contemporary Mediterranean cuisine, where tradition and creativity meet.
- Mushroom & Hazelnut - Agreement : Clos du Moulin | AOP Auxey Duresses 2022 – Pinot Noir
- Octopus, coral lentil cake, Thai coriander - Agreement : The Big Blue | IGP Méditerranée 2024 – Rolle, Grenache Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier and Sauvignon
These associations reveal all the subtlety of the Mediterranean. Clos du Moulin, ample and elegant, enhances the woody side and the sweetness of hazelnut. With octopus, the accord is fresher and more aromatic. The Big Blue, with its fruity notes and liveliness, balances the generous texture of the coral lentils.
The dishes: power and generosity
The Mediterranean is also about generous main courses. At Solis, we wanted to offer pairings that enhance these gourmet recipes.
- Beef picanha, Pont-Neuf potatoes - Agreement : Château Fougeailles | AOP Lalande de Pomerol 2022 – Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
- Chicken thigh stuffed with butternut squash - Agreement : Saint-Joseph Rouge | AOP Saint-Joseph 2021 – Marsanne
- Kofta Burger - Agreement : Saint-Joseph Rouge | AOP Saint-Joseph 2021 – Marsanne
Here, Mediterranean red wines express all their power. Fougeailles Castle, with its silky tannins, is the perfect accompaniment to the tenderness of the beef. Saint-Joseph Rouge, more robust, envelops the aromatic richness of the kefta and the sweet and salty flavors of the butternut.
Why are food and wine pairings so essential?
Food and wine pairing is, above all, the art of finding the right harmony between flavors. In Mediterranean cuisine, where sea salt, the tenderness of candied vegetables, and the aroma of spices mingle, wine reveals and enhances each bite.
THE Mediterranean wines – whether they come from Provence, Languedoc, Italy, Spain or Greece – each brings their own personality:
- The whites are fresh and mineral, ideal for fish and seafood.
- The rosés are fruity and thirst-quenching, perfect for mezzes and convivial moments.
- The reds are sunny and powerful, paired with grilled meats and spicy dishes.
💡 At Solis, our team will help you find the perfect pairing for your meal.
A unique sensory experience at Solis
Beyond the agreements themselves, we seek to offer a complete experience :
- A map designed for sharing and discovery,
- Carefully selected wines from characterful estates,
- A friendly atmosphere, reminiscent of the Mediterranean art of living.
Beyond our food and wine pairings, Solis is also a place to live. Every weekend, we welcome you to our Mediterranean brunches : on Saturday, in a festive atmosphere with live music, and on Sunday around a generous seafood platter. The perfect opportunity to extend the Mediterranean experience in a friendly and gourmet atmosphere.
“An excellent brunch that I recommend for the quality of the buffet and the truly pleasant musical atmosphere!” Madame Julie M
Conclusion: the Mediterranean on the plate and in the glass
At the house of Solis, each meal is an invitation to travel. Thanks to our food and wine pairings, we sublimate the Mediterranean cuisine and create unique tasting moments.
FAQ: Good food and wine pairings in Mediterranean cuisine
If you're not dining at Solis but want to recreate the Mediterranean spirit at home, here are some general recommendations for successful food and wine pairings. These practical tips will help you avoid mistakes and enhance your meals, whether they're cheeses, sunny salads, grilled fish, or dishes with sauces.
🙅🏻♀️ What are the faux pas to absolutely avoid?
- Avoid overly tannic reds with fish: this creates an unpleasant bitterness.
- Be careful with rosés that are too light with red meats: they will be overwhelmed by the strength of the dish.
- Beware of overly sweet whites with savory dishes: the balance quickly becomes unbalanced.
💡 Basic reminder: Mediterranean cuisine is all about freshness and balance. When a dish is tangy (tomatoes, lemon), choose a lively wine. When it's rich and generous (meats, creamy sauces), opt for a rounded, structured wine.
🧀 Which wines should you choose with Mediterranean cheeses (feta, pecorino, manchego)?
Mediterranean cheeses are often salty or aged. With feta, a crisp, mineral white wine (Assyrtiko from Greece, Vermentino from Corsica) perfectly balances the salt and creaminess. With more mature cheeses like pecorino or manchego, opt for a light, fruity red (a young Rioja or Côtes-du-Rhône).
🥗 Which wines should you choose with a Mediterranean salad (tomatoes, olives, olive oil, herbs)?
Salads rich in tomatoes and olive oil call for fresh, aromatic wines. A rosé from Provence or a dry white from Languedoc (Picpoul de Pinet) brings liveliness and highlights the freshness of vegetables and herbs.
🐚 Grilled seafood and fish: white or pink?
For shellfish, crustaceans, and seafood, choose an iodized and mineral white (Muscadet, Spanish Albariño). For grilled fish with herbs, a structured rosé (Bandol, Tavel) can also be an excellent alternative, especially in summer.
🍅 Which wines go well with Mediterranean dishes made with tomato sauce?
Tomato sauces, rich in acidity and flavored with garlic and herbs, do not pair well with overly tannic wines. Opt for supple, fruity reds (Chianti, Grenache du Roussillon), which complement the liveliness of the tomato without overwhelming it.
🥘 What if the dish contains cream or mild flavors (like a yogurt sauce or one made with roasted vegetables)?
Creamy or sweet sauces call for rounder, more enveloping wines. A Mediterranean white aged in barrels (Chardonnay from Sicily, Viognier from Languedoc) or a silky red like a Saint-Joseph with melted tannins will complement these softer textures.
🍨 Which wines should you choose with desserts?
- For fruit desserts (fig tart, citrus salad), choose a sweet, fresh wine like a Muscat or a Moscato d'Asti.
- With ice creams and sorbets, a light sparkling wine (Prosecco, Crémant) brings sparkle and balances the freshness.
- For chocolate desserts, opt for a powerful, warm red (Maury, Banyuls) which enhances the intensity of the cocoa.
- With dried fruit or honey cakes, a sweet wine (Vin de Constance, Sauternes) goes wonderfully with sweet and caramelized flavors.
