As autumn brings cooler weather and the harvest of hearty root vegetables, it’s the perfect time to combine the season’s produce with a wine as vibrant and complex as Via Caritatis Lux Amoris White 2021. This Clairette-Roussanne blend from the Rhône Valley offers a harmonious balance of ripe fruit and toasted almond, making it an ideal companion for a rich yet bright dish like Citrus-Glazed Salmon with Roasted Root Vegetables. The wine’s refined and mature character enhances the natural sweetness of the salmon and the earthy undertones of the roasted vegetables, creating a pairing that is both comforting and elegant.

The Wine: Via Caritatis Lux Amoris White 2021

The monks of Mont Ventoux and Provençal winemakers behind Via Caritatis Lux Amoris White have crafted a wine that sings with light and life. Meaning “Light of Love,” Lux Amoris is a wine that dazzles with its brilliance, from the delicate aromas of sweet white fruits and hints of mint to its bold, refined palate. Aged for six months in oak barrels, the wine develops a well-rounded texture, with almond and baked pastry notes that linger on the finish.

This 2021 vintage offers layers of fruit and subtle complexity, making it versatile enough to pair with roasted meats, poultry, or, in this case, a succulent salmon dish. The wine’s cool, harmonious palate perfectly complements the bright citrus glaze, while its subtle toasted notes elevate the warmth of the roasted root vegetables.

The Recipe: Citrus-Glazed Salmon with Roasted Root Vegetables

Ingredients, for 4 people:

• 4 salmon fillets (skin on, about 6 oz each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 orange, zested and juiced
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 pound carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 pound parsnips, peeled and chopped
• 1 red onion, cut into wedges
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped

Instructions:

1. Roast the Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Toss the carrots, parsnips, and red onion in olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and spread them out on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with fresh thyme and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are caramelized and tender.
2. Prepare the Citrus Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and zest from both fruits. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reduces by half and thickens slightly (about 5-7 minutes). Set aside.
3. Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Place the salmon skin-side down in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes, until the skin is crispy. Flip the salmon and brush with the citrus glaze. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, or until the salmon is just cooked through.
4. Serve: Plate the citrus-glazed salmon alongside the roasted root vegetables. Drizzle the remaining glaze over the salmon and garnish with fresh thyme or extra citrus zest for a burst of flavor.
5. The Pairing: Serve Via Caritatis Lux Amoris White slightly chilled at 50-55°F. The wine’s fruity notes of white peach and melon harmonize with the bright citrus glaze, while its almond and pastry-like finish complements the roasted vegetables, creating a seamless balance of flavors.

Why It Works

The Via Caritatis Lux Amoris White finds a perfect match in this citrus-glazed salmon dish, where the bright acidity of the glaze brings out the wine’s delicate fruit notes. The roasted root vegetables, with their caramelized sweetness and earthy depth, echo the wine’s toasted almond finish, creating a pairing that feels both vibrant and grounded. The Clairette and Roussanne grapes add layers of complexity, with subtle mint and licorice hints that pair beautifully with the herbs in the dish, especially the thyme.

This pairing brings together the freshness of citrus and the warmth of roasted autumn vegetables, making it ideal for cozy fall evenings. Lux Amoris White, with its light, bold, and refined character, enhances the dish’s balance of sweet, savory, and bright flavors, turning a simple meal into an elegant, memorable dining experience.