Valentine’s Day, English Sparkling Wine | The Perfect Pairing Recipe: Pappardelle Bolognese

A beautifully comforting classic, elevated for Valentine’s Day. Silky ribbons of pappardelle are folded through a slow-simmered Bolognese. Rich, layered and deeply satisfying. The perfect meal for two to pair with The Weyborne Estate's Oriana Golden Spur.

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Valentine’s Pappardelle Bolognese Recipe: Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 200g minced beef

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 carrot, finely diced

• 1 celery stalk, finely diced

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 400g canned tomatoes

• 1 tbsp tomato purée

• A splash of red wine

• 50ml milk

• Olive oil

• Sea salt & freshly ground black pepper

• Fresh basil

• Finely grated Parmesan

• Pappardelle pasta
  

Method:

1. Build the base: Warm a drizzle of olive oil over a medium heat. Gently soften the onion, carrot and celery for 5–7 minutes until sweet and translucent.

2. Layer in flavour: Add the garlic, followed by the minced beef. Cook until lightly browned, breaking it up as you go.

3. Deglaze: Pour in a splash of red wine and allow it to reduce, lifting all those savoury notes from the pan.

4. Slow simmer: Stir in the tomato purée and canned tomatoes. Season well, cover, and simmer gently for at least 20 minutes, longer if time allows. Finish with the milk for a soft, velvety texture.

5. Cook the pasta: Boil the pappardelle in generously salted water until al dente.

6. Bring together: Toss the pasta through the sauce, then finish with fresh basil and a generous grating of Parmesan.

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Why Oriana is the perfect pairing:

Sparkling wine isn’t reserved for aperitifs alone. Oriana’s bright acidity and fine, creamy mousse bring lift and elegance to richer dishes, creating harmony rather than contrast.

The lively bubbles cleanse the palate between forkfuls, cutting through the richness of the meat sauce and keeping every bite fresh. Subtle savoury, mineral and lightly nutty notes echo the depth of the Bolognese, while Oriana’s orchard fruit character complements the gentle sweetness of slow-cooked tomatoes.

It’s a pairing built on balance: acidity meeting creaminess, texture meeting freshness. Refined yet comforting, ideal for a romantic evening in.

Top Tips:

• Add a sprig of fresh rosemary to the sauce while it simmers for an aromatic lift.

• Serve with warm crusty garlic bread and a simple rocket salad with lemon dressing to mirror Oriana’s citrus-led freshness.
  

A thoughtfully crafted dish, paired with an expressive English sparkling wine. Elegant and refined and made for memorable Valentine’s moments.

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