Unconventional Pairings: Snails

Every year, we bet, the plate of snails, with the wooden toothpick inside its paper wrapper, accompanied by a glass of cold beer in some outdoor place accompanied by a good laugh, is one of the most lasting images that remain from the summer vacations. Yes, summer is the ideal time to eat.

In May, the snails' breeding cycle ends and by August they are at the ideal point to be consumed.

In any neighborhood there is always that space, café, tavern or restaurant, which specializes in the snack. After washing the snails, cooking them is not complicated: a pot of snails flavored with garlic and oregano broth is the usual way for the so-called "Portuguese snails", the most frequent preparation.

Despite the simplicity and the fact that the recipe takes only a few ingredients, it doesn't mean that there are details to take into account, such as the origin of the snails, the recipe of the broth, the type of garlic and oregano, among others. That's why there are places where the snail is a specialty that justifies an annual pilgrimage. Bay leaf, pepper and chili are ingredients in many of the recipes.

This snack is simple and aromatic, and for many of its lovers, cold beer is the perfect companion. Well, perhaps the habit of not thinking about another drink other than beer and the memory of satisfaction that it leaves, are weighty reasons for the custom.

We challenge you to put this habit of drinking beer with snails on standby and let this pleasure gain new colors and flavors with some wine proposals that connect well.

It is not worth thinking about wines that are somehow special. Quite the opposite. The snack is simple, aromatic and relaxed, as is the occasion to taste it. Thus, simplicity is really the watchword.

White Wines

Aromatic, with fruity evidence, freshness of flavor and light body are perfect. A touch of residual sweetness is not to be ruled out. But wines with a noticeable influence of wood are dispensable. Let's leave them for other situations.

Rose Wines

In the same line as whites, it rhymes perfectly with snails, as well as youthful sparkling wines, of style and age, keep the joy and good mood of that moment well lit.

Red Wines

Red wines are perhaps the least suitable, but if that is your preference, opt for wines that are very light in body, smooth and refreshing in flavor. Then the temperature of 14ºC/15ºC helps the party. In addition to all this, the good news is that the most affordable wines are those that meet all of the above.

Sommelier Manuel Moreira recommends:

White

• Deu la Deu Alvarinho Branco 2022

• Cerejeiras Colheita Seleccionada 2019

• Douro Castello D'Alba Moscatel

• Niepoort Dócil Riesling

Rosé

• Mateus Vinho Rosé

• Catarina Rosé 2022

Red

• Marques de Borba Tinto 2021

• Negra Mole Cabrita 2021

Sparkling

• O Tal da Lixa DOC Vinho Verde

• Sparkling Adega de Favaios Bruto

An alphabetical guide to some of the places renowned for snails:

· Apolo 78, Loures

· Arco de Paris, Areeiro

· Boteco da Linha, São Pedro do Estoril

· Café Fortaleza, Boavista dos Pinheiros – Odemira

· Café José Reis, Leiria

· Café Kiwi, Monção

· Café Montanha, Mogadouro

· Café Paris, Cartaxo

· Café Teles, Freamunde

· Café Varanda, Aljustrel

· Casa dos Caracóis, Campolide

· Casa dos Caracóis, Odivelas

· Casa dos Caracóis, Vila Praia de Âncora

· Casa Primo dos Caracóis, Olhão

· Cervejaria Boina Verde, Peniche

· Cervejaria Edmundo, Lisboa

· Cervejaria Germano, Lisboa

· Coreto do Bairro, Carnide

· Jakim Girassol, Coruche

· Júlio dos Caracóis, Marvila

· Marisqueira do Lis, Intendente, Lisboa

· O Filho do Menino Júlio dos Caracóis, Lisboa

· O Hoquista, Benfica

· O Manjar da flor, Benavente

· Rei dos Caracóis, Algés

· Restaurante Bar Azul, Leça da Palmeira

· Restaurante o David, Faro

· Restaurante Tabuense, Alvalade

· Sabores do Bocage, Setúbal

· Sem palavras, Lisboa

· Varandas Vale Formoso, Lisboa