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Green Profile

Herbaceous, Vegetal, Fresh

Wines and foods in the green profile share molecular compounds that create fresh, herbaceous, and vegetal characteristics—think cut grass, basil, and green bell peppers.

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Understanding the Green Profile

The Green profile represents foods and wines that share herbaceous and vegetal molecular compounds. These are the aromatic molecules found in fresh herbs, green vegetables, and certain wines that create those distinctive "green" characteristics—think freshly cut grass, basil leaves, green bell peppers, and fresh herbs.

Molecular Basis

Green profile items contain methoxypyrazines and other herbaceous compounds that create grassy, vegetal, and herbal aromas.

Sensory Experience

Fresh, crisp, refreshing sensations. High acidity that cleanses the palate. Bright, energizing flavors.

Pairing Principle

Match herbaceous with herbaceous. The shared molecular structures create harmony and enhance both the wine and food.

Green Profile Wines

These wines feature pronounced herbaceous, vegetal, and grassy characteristics

Sauvignon Blanc

Green Profile

Loire Valley, France / Marlborough, New Zealand

The quintessential green profile wine. Sauvignon Blanc is known for its high acidity and pronounced herbaceous character, featuring notes of cut grass, green bell pepper, and fresh herbs.

Characteristics:

Crisp, refreshing, herbaceous, zippy acidity

Flavor Profile:

Grapefruit, lime, gooseberry, jalapeño, fresh herbs, cut grass

Perfect Pairings:

Goat cheese, fresh salads, grilled asparagus, pesto pasta, oysters

Serve: 45-50°F (7-10°C)White wine glass

Grüner Veltliner

Green Profile

Austria

Austria's signature white grape offers a unique combination of white pepper spice and fresh vegetable notes. This versatile wine pairs beautifully with a wide range of cuisines.

Characteristics:

Peppery, fresh, crisp, mineral-driven

Flavor Profile:

White pepper, green apple, celery, lime zest, arugula, radish

Perfect Pairings:

Schnitzel, roasted vegetables, Thai cuisine, Caesar salad, green curry

Serve: 45-50°F (7-10°C)White wine glass

Cabernet Franc

Green Profile

Loire Valley, France

A medium-bodied red wine with distinctive herbaceous character. Often described as having "leafy" or "green" aromatics alongside red fruit, making it the rare red wine in the green profile.

Characteristics:

Herbaceous, elegant, medium-bodied, refreshing tannins

Flavor Profile:

Raspberry, green bell pepper, violet, tobacco, fresh herbs

Perfect Pairings:

Roasted red peppers, herb-crusted lamb, eggplant parmesan, pesto dishes

Serve: 60-65°F (15-18°C)Red wine glass

Verdejo

Green Profile

Rueda, Spain

A fresh and aromatic Spanish white wine with a distinctive fennel-like character and herbal notes, balanced by bright citrus and stone fruit.

Characteristics:

Fresh, aromatic, herbal, bright

Flavor Profile:

Fennel, lime, fresh grass, grapefruit, white flowers, herbs

Perfect Pairings:

Ceviche, green salads, grilled vegetables, white fish with herbs

Serve: 45-50°F (7-10°C)White wine glass

Albariño

Green Profile

Rías Baixas, Spain

While often associated with yellow citrus notes, Albariño from cooler vintages shows remarkable green herbaceous qualities alongside its stone fruit character.

Characteristics:

Bright, zesty, saline, refreshing

Flavor Profile:

Green herbs, lime zest, green apple, fresh fennel, sea salt

Perfect Pairings:

Shellfish, green herb sauces, ceviche, grilled asparagus

Serve: 45-50°F (7-10°C)White wine glass

Vermentino

Green Profile

Sardinia, Italy / Corsica, France

A coastal Mediterranean white with pronounced herbal notes, citrus, and a distinctive mineral quality. Perfect for herb-forward dishes.

Characteristics:

Herbal, mineral, crisp, Mediterranean

Flavor Profile:

Fresh herbs, lime, green almond, white flowers, sea breeze

Perfect Pairings:

Herb salads, pesto, grilled fish, green vegetables, fresh mozzarella

Serve: 45-50°F (7-10°C)White wine glass

Red Wines for Green Profile Dishes

While most green profile wines are white, certain red wines with herbaceous characteristics or bright acidity work beautifully with heartier green profile dishes—especially those featuring herbs, roasted vegetables, mushrooms, or herb-crusted meats.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Red WineComplements Green

Bordeaux, France / Cooler Climate Regions

When grown in cooler climates, Cabernet Sauvignon develops pronounced green bell pepper and herbaceous notes (methoxypyrazines) that align beautifully with green profile dishes. These wines offer structure and depth while maintaining herbal character.

Characteristics:

Herbaceous, structured, medium to full-bodied, firm tannins

Flavor Profile:

Green bell pepper, blackcurrant, cedar, herbs, graphite

Perfect Pairings:

Herb-crusted meats, roasted vegetables with herbs, mushroom dishes, braised greens

Serve: 60-65°F (15-18°C)Large red wine glass

Sangiovese

Red WineComplements Green

Tuscany, Italy

The grape of Chianti often shows herbal and savory notes alongside its cherry fruit. Its bright acidity and herbal character make it an excellent match for herb-forward green profile dishes, especially those with tomato or roasted vegetables.

Characteristics:

Herbal, bright acidity, medium-bodied, savory

Flavor Profile:

Sour cherry, dried herbs, tomato leaf, leather, tea

Perfect Pairings:

Herb-roasted chicken, pasta with pesto, grilled vegetables, tomato-based dishes with herbs

Serve: 60-65°F (15-18°C)Red wine glass

Chianti

Red WineComplements Green

Tuscany, Italy

A classic Italian red made primarily from Sangiovese, Chianti offers savory herbal notes and bright acidity that complement green profile foods beautifully. Its medium body and herbal character work especially well with herb-infused dishes.

Characteristics:

Savory, herbal, bright acidity, medium-bodied

Flavor Profile:

Raspberry, cherry, anise, dried herbs, earth

Perfect Pairings:

Herb-crusted pork, roasted vegetables, pasta with basil, grilled meats with herbs

Serve: 60-65°F (15-18°C)Red wine glass

Grenache

Red WineComplements Green

Southern Rhône, France / Spain

Grenache can display herbal and white pepper notes alongside its red fruit, especially when grown in cooler sites. Its medium body and supple tannins make it versatile with herb-driven green profile dishes that include heartier elements.

Characteristics:

Fruity, spicy, herbal notes, medium-bodied, soft tannins

Flavor Profile:

Strawberry, raspberry, white pepper, herbs, garrigue

Perfect Pairings:

Herb-roasted lamb, grilled vegetables with herbs, Mediterranean dishes, herb-crusted fish

Serve: 60-65°F (15-18°C)Red wine glass

Tempranillo

Red WineComplements Green

Rioja, Spain

Tempranillo often shows herbal and earthy characteristics, especially in traditional Rioja styles. Its medium body and savory notes complement green profile dishes that bridge into heartier territory, particularly those with mushrooms or roasted vegetables.

Characteristics:

Earthy, herbal, medium-bodied, moderate tannins

Flavor Profile:

Cherry, plum, leather, herbs, tobacco, vanilla

Perfect Pairings:

Herb-roasted meats, mushroom dishes, roasted root vegetables, herb-infused stews

Serve: 60-65°F (15-18°C)Red wine glass

Merlot

Red WineComplements Green

Bordeaux, France / Cooler Climate Regions

Cooler climate Merlot can display green bell pepper and herbal notes similar to Cabernet Sauvignon, but with softer tannins. These wines offer a supple, approachable option for green profile dishes that need a bit more body.

Characteristics:

Supple, herbal notes, medium-bodied, soft tannins

Flavor Profile:

Plum, black cherry, green bell pepper, herbs, chocolate

Perfect Pairings:

Herb-crusted chicken, roasted vegetables, mushroom risotto, herb-infused pasta

Serve: 60-65°F (15-18°C)Red wine glass

The Science of Green

Green profile wines and foods share methoxypyrazines—the same molecular compounds that give fresh herbs and green vegetables their distinctive aromas. When you pair herbaceous foods with herbaceous wines, these matching molecules create a harmonious sensory experience that elevates both elements. This is molecular gastronomy in action.

Green Profile Foods

Foods that share the same herbaceous molecular compounds as green profile wines

Fresh Herbs

BasilCilantroParsleyMintArugulaWatercress

Why it works:

Green profile wines share the same herbaceous aromatic compounds found in fresh herbs, creating a natural molecular harmony.

Green Vegetables

AsparagusGreen beansBrussels sproutsSnap peasGreen bell peppersCelery

Why it works:

The vegetal notes in green wines mirror the chlorophyll-rich flavors of these vegetables, making them ideal companions.

Herb-Forward Dishes

Pesto pastaChimichurriGreen goddess dressingHerb-crusted fishSalsa verde

Why it works:

The herbal intensity of these preparations matches the herbaceous character of green profile wines.

Tangy Cheeses

Goat cheeseFetaFresh chèvreTangy sheep's milk cheese

Why it works:

The bright acidity in green wines cuts through the tanginess of these cheeses while complementing their grassy notes.

Light Seafood

OystersClamsGreen-lipped musselsWhite fish with herbsCeviche

Why it works:

The crisp acidity and minerality of green wines refresh the palate between bites of delicate seafood.

Bridge Ingredients

Bridge ingredients help connect green profile dishes with wines by adding complementary flavors, textures, or aromatics. These ingredients can enhance pairings and create harmonious transitions between food and wine.