Our wine-producing countries got off to a mixed start to this World Cup.
South Africa lost 2-0 to co-hosts Mexico (and taking two red cards into the bargain), while Canada and Switzerland only managed score-draws in their games.
But the USA and Australia rallied to solid wins and Germany absolutely thumped poor Curaçao at the weekend (Natalie’s choice of dry Riesling obviously the perfect pick).
Hopefully anyone taking our wine recommendations wasn’t disappointed with the results; either on the pitch or in the glass.
There are two more wine-country head-to-heads this week as the Socceroos take on the USA, and Argentina and Austria clash in an epic dance-off for control of Group J.
There are Cabernet Sauvignons galore, sweet Croatian Muscats, Pinot Noir from Essex and a Bordeaux blend from Turkey’s coast are among our recommendations for the second round of group stage matches.
And if you feel the need for some… actual football analysis during this World Cup, do check in on our friends and colleagues over at FourFourTwo for all their updates and coverage.
Wine head-to-heads:
(Image credit: iStock / Getty Images Plus / Leonardo Moreno)
Wine-producing nations clashing in this week’s games:
Australia vs USA
Argentina vs Austria
Ines: Spain & Uruguay
Spain (vs Saudi Arabia): Next up on Spain’s path to possible World Cup glory is Saudi Arabia, a country that has been – with the not-so-soft power of its petrodollars – desperately trying to attract Spanish talent to its new yet lavish league, where certain players such as Ronaldo are already padding their retirement funds.
It’s only fitting that Spain comes out in all its own opulent glory for this match.
Never a better time to splurge on an iconic bottle such as CVNE’s Imperial Gran Reserva.
CVNE, Imperial Gran Reserva, Rioja, Spain 2009
Uruguay (vs Cape Verde): In a true Atlantic battle, Uruguay is next up against Cape Verde.
Likely an easy win for the South American country but… it’s football, nothing is a given. Best to relax and get into the flow of the game – very much as surfers become one with the ocean.
For inspiration make space in the fridge for Alma Surfer Dolcetto from Pablo Fallabrino (an avid surfer himself), a light, zesty and vibrant take on the Italian variety that is just the thing to keep the mind clear and body fresh.
Pablo Fallabrino, Alma Surfer Dolcetto, Atlántida, Canelones. Uruguay 2023
Julie: Argentina & Australia
Argentina (vs Austria): The reigning world champions travel to Dallas to play Austria in their second match of the opening round – and it’s a perfect excuse for a battle of the signature white grapes of both countries.
While Austria is famous for its mineral Grüner Veltliner, Argentina flies the flag for aromatic Torrontes.
And the queen of Torrontes is winemaker Susana Balbo. Try her Signature Barrel Fermented Torrontés 2024 from Uco Valley, saline and mineral, with juicy citrus intensity and floral notes, ripe melon and pear.
Susana Balbo, Signature Barrel Fermented Torrontés, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina 2024
Australia (vs USA): The Socceroos take on one of the host nations USA in their second match of the championships. So what better excuse for a New World Cabernet head-to-head against Napa Cab?
Take a punt on the excellent 2022 vintage Cabernets from Margaret River in Western Australia, whose wines are worthy contenders on a global stage.
Try the Moss Wood Wilyabrup Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, one of the three top scorers in our latest Margaret River vintage report (97pts) – juicy and structured, fluid and effortless, it’s an energetic Cabernet packed with youthful exuberance.
Moss Wood, Cabernet Sauvignon, Wilyabrup, Margaret River, Western Australia 2022
James: Portugal & South Africa
Portugal (vs Uzbekistan): Will Portugal’s flowing, attacking style be able to overcome the disciplined defence of underdogs Uzbekistan, coached by Italian legend Fabio Cannavaro?
Polished and supple with anchovy, briny black olives and juicy plum, Quinta de Chocapalha’s Castelão is sure to charm.
Its herbal side makes it a great match for smoked ribs served with homemade rosemary fries.
Quinta de Chocapalha, Castelão, Lisboa, Portugal 2020
South Africa (vs Czech Republic): After a bruising defeat to Mexico in the opener, South Africa tackle the Czech Republic in Atlanta for their second game.
Mullineux’s ‘Kloof Street Swartland Rouge’ is a fantastic value blend of Syrah, Grenache and Cinsault.
Vibrant and sweet fruited, it’s a great pairing for barbecued meats and vegetables accompanied by a summery salad.
Mullineux, Kloof Street Swartland Rouge, Swartland, South Africa 2023
Natalie: Germany & New Zealand
Germany (vs Ivory Coast): The vibrant cuisine of Ivory Coast features dishes such as kedjenou, a spicy, concentrated chicken and vegetable stew.
German wines could be a successful match for this flavoursome dish. One option could be a Riesling with some residual sugar, like this Auslese, where its dried mandarin and honey characters would chime with the stew’s spicing.
Or opt for a fruit-forward Spatburgunder like this great value version from Albert Glas.
Jakob Schneider, Niederhäuser Hermannshöhle Riesling Auslese, Nahe, Germany 2024
New Zealand (vs Egypt): New Zealand will be playing Egypt in their second match.
The Pharaohs will be captained by the legendary Mohamed Salah – can the 34-year old maintain the same ‘youthful lift and energy’ that this beautiful Kiwi Pinot Noir shows?
Kumeu River, Kumeu Village Pinot Noir, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand 2024
Tina: Croatia & Canada
Croatia (vs Panama): Panama hosts Croatia in Toronto in this round of the group stage, and it looks set to be a one-sided affair.
Even with their ‘mature’ squad (four key players are aged over 30) Croatia always seems to showcase their best at the big tournaments.
So if we’re looking for maturity and top performances, this sweet Muscat is the ideal pick.
It scored 97-points at a Decanter Wines of the Year tasting and is seemingly eternal, with a drinking window to 2080! (hopefully they won’t make Modric play that long)
Benvenuti, San Salvatore Muškat, Coastal, Croatia, 2015
Canada (vs Qatar): The Reds of Canada play The Maroons of Qatar in Vancouver this round, so that provides some strong symbolism as to the colour wine you need to have in your glass when watching this duel.
So how about this weirdly wonderful yet appropriate duet of reds from a winery in Naramata in the Okanagan Valley, which co-ferments local Pinot Noir with Syrah from Washington’s Horse Heaven Hills.
1 Mill Road, Syrah/Pinot Noir, British Columbia, Canada 2024
Rupert: France & Austria
France (vs Iraq): Dominated by the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, Iraq’s national dish is masgouf *– or grilled carp. But, like their team against these Middle Eastern minnows, France’s versatile wine choice is more than a match for this particular fishy dish.
Muscadet or Alsatian Pinot Blanc are an excellent match for carp’s light and delicate flavour but the grilled aspect might overpower these lighter wines.
A good white Burgundy with more body and some subtle oak would therefore be a good match. Something from the Maconnais such as a Pouilly-Fuissé or St-Véran have the requisite finesse and oomph for the occasion.
*As it happens, a fan of masgouf was former French president Jacques Chirac, who ate it with Saddam Hussein in the 1970s. History does not relate what wine might have flowed at that particular dinner.
Domaine Saumaize-Michelin, Les Crèches, Mâconnais, St-Véran, Burgundy, France, 2024
Austria (vs Argentina): Fiery Argentine Tango meets Austria’s elegant waltz this week on the pitch in Dallas.
Austrian reds can’t quite match those of Argentina for sheer power and ripe polish, but they can for elegance and charm.
A Blaufränkisch from the famous Leithaberg hills would keep any Malbec on its toes.
Try this from Heinrich which our expert tasting panel recently described as: ‘Layered, mature. Super-refined, graceful tannins backed by vibrant freshness.’
Heinrich, Blaufränkisch, Leithaberg, Burgenland, Austria 2018
Mark: USA & Switzerland
USA (vs Australia): It’s a clash of New World winemaking titans this week with USA against Australia.
Let’s keep it solid at the back (palate), firm through the middle and flashy upfront; so it has to be Napa Cabernet.
There are worse ways to potentially drown your sorrows.
Realm Cellars, The Bard, Napa Valley, California, USA 2023
Switzerland (vs Bosnia-Herzegovina): Swiss fans will be aiming to stay cool and collected in glitzy LA against a potential banana-skin Bosnian side.
Often underestimated, the Swiss have made it out of the group stages in each of the last three World Cups, but a surprise draw with Qatar means they need a win.
Channel your inner, crampon-wearing, Alpine alter ego and break out the fondue alongside a bottle of Weinbau Thomas Studach, Malanser Chardonnay.
It’s juicy, displaying ripe orchard fruit balanced by crystalline acidity and gentle salinity.
Its cool, lingering finish reflects a style shaped by a distinct mountain register. Perfect.
Weinbau Thomas Studach, Malanser Chardonnay, Graubünden, Eastern Cantons, Switzerland 2022
Izzy: England & Turkey
England (vs Ghana): Next up for England will be a far-from-easy match against Ghana, where several members of England’s squad will be up against their own Manchester City teammate in star attacker Antoine Semenyo.
If you’re thinking of enjoying some Ghanaian cuisine for the match, why not fufu and spicy tomato stew with a bright, fruity Pinot Noir?
This vibrant and refreshing wine from the Crouch Valley should pair well with light but spicy soup Nkrakra, and can be enjoyed lightly chilled.
Jackson Family Wines, Marbury Pinot Noir, Essex, England, United Kingdom 2024
Turkey (vs Paraguay): Turkey’s next match will be against fellow outsiders Paraguay; based on the teams’ recent form it looks as though Turkey should take the three points but they’ll still need to bring something special to be sure of it.
One thing that certainly sets Turkey apart from landlocked Paraguay is its stunning coastline – also where a lot of its most impressive wines are made.
The team should channel some of the energy of this ‘light on its feet’ Bordeaux blend from Izmir on the Aegean Coast to secure victory.
