Ever since scrolling past this infographic from Wine Enthusiast about how to pair wine with potato chips, I've been secretly plotting my next charcuterie night. I had never really considered the harmony that snack pairings could create on those wine-filled evenings I know (admittedly) too well, but now, I've seen the light. Though people can go on and on about wine and food pairings from fancy restaurants, sommelier-style, there are actually *tons* of easy snacks to pair with wine. Taking inspiration from the lovely potato chip example, here are some accessible bites to enjoy with your next glass!
Reisling + Salt & Vinegar Chips
To me, it's not a real wine night if there's not Reisling involved. Each sip is fruity and sweet, and admittedly, makes it feel like you're not drinking wine sometimes. 😉 Salt & vinegar chips (ahem, the best ones are from Kettle Brand) do a great job at balancing out that strong sweetness, instead providing a puckeringly sour counter flavor. Gather the party 'round, and get ready to feast on this iconic wine and chip pairing all night.
Cabernet Sauvignon + Cheez It Crackers
Cabernet Sauvignon leaves a spiced, smoked, and fruited impression when you sip it, so the salty-cheesy *goodness* of Cheez It crackers does a stellar job at maintaining a pleasant taste throughout the snacking experience. There are a ton of different kinds of Cheez Its (such as the White Cheddar, Extra Toasty, and Parmesan varieties), meaning you get to play around with the Cheez It wine pairing you like best!
Malbec + Dark Chocolate Truffles
Argentinian Malbec carries notes of plum, blackberry, black cherry, and warm spices that go well with a number of snacks, but the easiest (and tastiest) one is dark chocolate. Dark chocolate isn't as sweet as other types, and thanks to its bitterness, it makes the perfect companion to a glass of the red variety. Plus, this duo makes a pretty impressive pair for date night!
Chardonnay + Butter Club Crackers
Crackers were made for chardonnay, but these Club Minis make the sipping experience even better. They are infused with notes of fermented wine with hints of citrus and oak, and each bite you take is followed by the toasted wheat and signature buttery notes of a Club cracker. Everything is beautifully balanced out in this pairing. 💛
Syrah + Cheetos
Syrah wines are typically fruit-forward, but with a bigger emphasis on oak notes. It's fairly easy on the palette, leaving a richness that begs for a cheesy snack. Enter the less-elevated Cheetos – which are still *so* good, BTW – to finish the tasting experience. Next wine night you have, try out this amazing combo and witness the magic for yourself!
Pinot Noir + Goat Cheese
Red fruits form the deeper taste of Pinot Noir, and though saturated, each sip usually has lower tannin levels that contribute to a smoother feel. When drinking Pinot Noir, adventure seekers *might* miss the sharpness that other red wines provide, which is why goat cheese is the best snack to pair. Goat cheese is similar in its subdued nature, but also delivers pungent sensations when eaten. Sounds like a charcuterie night is necessary!
Blanc de Noir + Prosciutto
Blanc de Noir is a typically lively and crisp wine, and this one from Blindfold carries the tastes of citrus, white peach, and a hint of tart cranberry. All of these things work swell with the saltiness of cured prosciutto, a true regular on our snack boards. Try wrapping melon slices in the meat, too, for an even fancier pairing!
Prosecco + Goldfish
Name a cuter combo – I'll wait! The bubbly goodness of Prosecco emulates the child-like energy within all of us, *plus* makes the ultimate partner for a big ol' handful of Goldfish crackers. The ideal setting for indulging in this nostalgic duo is a wholesome movie night under the blankets.
Rosé + Sour Patch Kids
This wine and snack combo is truly unbeatable – wine educator, Cristie Norman agrees!
"Demi-sec (or sweet) rosé champagne like has notes of lemon, bing cherry, strawberry, and tropical pineapple with tangy acidity that really leaves your mouth watering, but with enough sweetness to create a silky mouthfeel," Norman says. "Paired with Sour Patch Kids, the champagne enhances the perception of tartness, making your sour candy experience even more sour, but with a sweet and fruity finish. I love this high-low pairing as a treat or appetizer for girl dinner!"
Merlot + Baked Brie
Merlot's soft and fruity characters work so nicely with brie cheese. Our recipe for baked brie *also* takes the food even further with the addition of pastry dough and sweet jam. When you're setting up for snacking on this pairing, opt for a less tannic Merlot to avoid any bitterness.
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Lead photo by KoolShooters / PEXELS.This post has been updated.
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