Perfect Pairings with Koroneki EVOO and Ampelos Wines
We’re introducing the exclusive arrival of our new EVOO, Koroneki, at H.E.B. this September. A vibrant, grassy olive oil that will captivate wine lovers and aspiring sommeliers alike. Recently, we hosted an intimate wine tasting at Ampelos Wines, a natural wine shop in the heart of Dallas, where our EVOO is bottled and distributed. This tasting celebrated the unique appeal of our latest creation, showcasing how beautifully it pairs with fine wines. And what better hosts than fellow clean food experts of Dallas’ only all-natural wine shop?
Ampelos Wines, a small yet remarkable shop committed to producing wines with transparency and integrity. Each bottle is crafted harmoniously with nature, reflecting their dedication to regenerative viticulture and mindful winemaking. Their mission aligns with ours—to inspire and support a community that values traditional craftsmanship and embraces responsible production methods. Ampelos curates exceptional wines and fosters a welcoming, inclusive space where wine enthusiasts can deepen their appreciation for the winemakers who champion these time-honored practices.
At this tasting, guided by the expertise of their female founder, Genevieve Weaver, we sampled three of our most iconic olive oils alongside a range of wines with effervescence to sediment. Our wild wine flight boasted a series of eight wines tasted in progression, beginning with lighter whites, transitioning through a rose, and ending with bolder reds. Alongside the wines, we introduced our olive oils with sourdough bread from Oak Cliff Bread, a local bakery known for its simple ingredients and traditional baking methods.
One key lesson from this experience was the reminder that bold flavors, much like life’s most intense moments, can sometimes overshadow one another. The beauty of simplicity became clear: sometimes, a singular element like fresh sourdough bread or a clean glass of wine is all that is needed to fully appreciate a flavor. Our EVOO stood out, not by competing but by complementing. It's a reminder that not every pairing should be complex—sometimes, the simplest combinations are the most profound.
During the tasting, we found exceptional pairings for each of our olive oils:
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Koroneki Olive Oil: Its vibrant and slightly grassy notes aligned perfectly with the Txakoli Unfiltered Ugabe 2023. This crisp, unfiltered wine is known for its bright, lively nature, making it an ideal partner for culinary adventurers seeking excitement on their palates.
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Picual Olive Oil: Balanced and versatile, our Picual paired beautifully with Massaya 2022 from Lebanon’s Beqaa Valley. The Picual’s smooth, peppery finish complemented the wine’s full-bodied flavor profile. The owner of Ampelos suggested a simple pairing with peppery pasta, which allowed the olive oil’s full flavor to shine without distraction.
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Coratina Olive Oil: Known for its robust, earthy character, our Coratina found its match in Brusco Red Wine, a deep and rustic red. The wine’s bold, earthy tones harmonized effortlessly with the olive oil’s intense flavor, creating a pairing that’s as solid as it is memorable.
Each olive oil and wine pairing tells its own story, offering a range of experiences to suit different preferences and palates. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or simply looking to elevate your next meal, these combinations will inspire new culinary adventures, blending the best of both worlds.