Food and wine matching is often cast as a rather mysterious science, but in truth it is actually quite simple and the experimentation involved is great fun.

As for the exact match between a particular wine and a dish, there is no right or wrong answers. The food needs to be wine friendly, but it doesn’t have to be perfectly aligned. Yes, the odd fantastic synergy does occur at times, but this is rare and probably happens more by chance than careful planning. Instead, it’s good to concentrate on eliminating flavours that will cause problems for wine appreciation and then begin thinking about possible alliances between the wine and food.

Cantina’s bar adds a truly international flavour and encourages diners to experience Mexico by trying an extensive range of tequila and aperitifs. Drink your way around the vineyards of Chile, Spain and Argentina when sampling a range of hand selected international wines. Foreign varietals are stored and poured with care, adequately complimenting the dishes on an always exciting menu.

The Cantina wine list has been compiled to highlight wines which compliment Howe’s Mediterranean menu. “All our wines have been selected with food in mind. We want our diners to experience the rich choice of flavours which come from the list but also to feel confident that our margaritas, tequila menu and digestives will act as the perfect accompaniment to both hot and cold dishes on the menu,” Chef Adam Howe said.

The Cantina team have undertaken food and wine tasting sessions to further educate themselves on the best recommendations to make to diners. Marcelo Diaz from Broadway liquors has taken the time to explain the varietals, the region and climates which the grapes are grown and their palatable qualities. He then worked in conjunction with chef Adam Howe to come up with food friendly pairings.

With an emphasis on share type food Cantina is perfect for large groups or functions in the upstairs bar. The team will be happy to offer wine matching suggestions and even compare the foreign varietals to their closest Australian counterpart.

“We often get asked which wine is like a South Australian shiraz or a Yarra Valley pinot. The wait staff break down the flavours and match the needs of our customers offering them a handy guide to picking the wine that best suits their meal,” owner / manager Craig Hibbard said.

Functions at Cantina are also available, with a separate upstairs bar/venue for functions over 40 -50 persons exclusively seated, or 40-60 canapé style. To enquire about reservations or functions at Cantina – phone 9357.3033 or email info@cantina.net.au
Cantina’s food matching-recommendations

Grilled spring bay scallops
w/ chilli, lemon, jamon & artichoke

Torres Vina Sol
Excellent as an aperitif and with seafood, salads and soft cheeses. Elegant, fresh, fruity with fine spicy hints. Smooth, rich and crisp on the palate, with plenty of fruity flavours (apples and pineapples) and a touch of spice (fennel).
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Grilled Tasmanian mussels
w/ parsley & parmesan crust

St Arnou premium blonde
The addition of wheat malt and the subtle hop character define this beer. Pale in colour and cold filtered this traditional European style lager has a smooth crisp finish that is beautifully balanced for an exceptional drinking experience. It is perfectly matched to a seafood dish.
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Grilled spanish chorizo
w/ romesco sauce

Bodega Pirineos Moristel 2001
This wine is superb with roasts, casseroles, game and traditional Spanish meat dishes .Bodega Pirineos Moristel- A well-crafted wine, full red in colour with magenta overtones. It has aromas of great complexity reminiscent of ripe peaches, cherry jam, pears, cinnamon, pain grillé and balsamic undertones. Mouth filling and well balanced, with a fresh acidity which make it very appealing. Long on the finish.
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Cheese plate
w/ manchego, taleggio, goats cheese, quince paste & lavosh bread

Pedro Romero Pedro Ximenez Sherry
Dark colour, obtained with Pedro Ximenez grapes, very aromatic and very sweet taste. Dynamic aging process and classic old criaderas and soleras in American oak casks.

Cantina is open daily from 6pm- late (licensed 2am).