Strawberry crepes are astonishingly easy to make and are perfect for a lazy weekend breakfast or quick afternoon snack, but they're also pretty enough to serve at an elegant dinner party. The best wine to serve with strawberry crepes needs to take note of the strawberry acidity while adding complexity. The wine should sit above the buttery richness of the crepe and not dominate the pancake's delicate texture.
Chateau De Bastard Sauternes 2004, Bordeaux, France
This is a classic, delicious wine at a fraction of the cost of big names in the Sauternes region of Bordeaux. It is less powerful and sickly sweet than many new world botrytis 'stickies'. This wine has low tones of spicy oak that lend interest and complexity. It is the perfect extension to strawberry crepes. The strawberry acidity gives longer balance to the wine while the syrup on the fruit gives the combination more richness and creamy texture. The lightness of the crepe is further heightened by the wine's wonderful aroma lift and fruity perfume. For a variation on the theme, try soaking the berries overnight in the wine - the sauternes-strawberry syrup will bring together the heavy, buttery tones of the crepe.
Available for HK$298 from Cottage Vineyards (tel: 2395 1293)
Eberle Muscat Canelli 2007, Paso Robles, California
This pure, fruity wine is an excellent match with strawberry crepes. The muscat grape has a perfect range of aromas ranging from white flowers to sweet tropical fruit; it also has a wonderful gingery complexity. The wine is flavourful but not so strong it overwhelms the strawberries and crepe. The drying alcohol of the wine restores order to the delicious but heavy palate. To get the most out of this excellent wine, serve it chilled in a fishbowl glass.
