Wine Glasses, Image: Pexels
We’re all pretty couped up at this time, still trying to figure out when this lockdown is going to be over. But don’t worry. We’ve got you covered with the best list of snack foods and wine pairings.
We’re snacking a bit more lately. The stocks might be pretty low, but I’m guessing Simba’s stocks are pretty high with the amount of Sweet Chili Doritos we’re all eating.
So, let’s make this a bit classier and add some wine to it!
Shiraz and BBQ Big Korn Bites
Because who doesn’t love BBQ and the smokiness from a delicious Shiraz. This pairing works pretty much all the time. The delicate flavours of the blackberry and the essence of black pepper and jam coming from a Stellenbosch Shiraz is enhanced by smoke and sweetness that you get from BBQ.
Cape Blend and Provita Rye Crisps with Fruit Chutney
Nothing like the classic rye crisps with a little of fruit chutney to make it feel like you’re headed to a Braai. Pair it with a deliciously bold Cape Blend and you’re perfect. The fruit flavours from the chutney will pair seamlessly with the fruit of the Cape Blend, and the blend with its bold flavour profile. A match made in heaven that you can enjoy on your couch.
Viognier and Buttermilk Rusks
Rusks are great because they’re easy foods to enjoy pretty much whenever. A little sweetness but not too overpowering will be perfect to pair with the floral and baking spice flavours on the wine. The heavier the better.
Nouvelle and Flings
Other than the fact that Nouvelle is a South African varietal and flings is an iconic South African snack, these foods actually will pair well together, and here’s why. Nouvelle is a bit grassy with an interesting cooked split-pea soup flavour to it. This pairing makes me think of corn & peas which I enjoy eating together very much. I feel like that along with the bright citrus flavours of the nouvelle, your palate will be cleansed right away and you’ll be ready for your second bite!
Riesling and Sweet Chili Doritos
Well I think this pairing will be tasty with Sweet Chili anything! But I love the Sweet Chili Doritos and knowing that they can get spicy, best to pair with something that’s a little on the sweeter side. Find a Riesling that is off-dry and you will experience the magic of hot foods and sweet wine!
Sangiovese and Simba All Gold Tomato Sauce Chips
Sangiovese tends to have an interesting tomato leaf component to it and I would be keen to say this would be an excellent pairing! Sangiovese is powerful with lots of dried fruit flavours, bold acid and tannins too. With a tomato sauce flavoured chip, it will taste like a delicious marinara sauce explosion in your mouth. How’s that sound? Sign me up!
MCC & Microwaveable Popcorn
Sparkling and popcorn is a classic pairing. It never fails. Pick up a bottle of your favourite MCC, I would recommend a brut, and enjoy it with your favourite microwave popcorn or kettle corn. The salt and the bubbles are light and refreshing, along with a light popcorn snack, it’s the perfect pair!
Chardonnay & Muesli
A tasty blend this really is, especially when you find a chardonnay that’s oaked! Enjoy the rich maple syrup and apple-y/pear flavours when you enjoy a full-bodied chardonnay. And what better to pair with than some delicious muesli! Rolled oats and chardonnay, sounds like eating cinnamon oatmeal cookies to me!
Cabernet Sauvignon & Cadbury Crunchies
Flavour bomb alert! This pairing is sure to jazz your palate! Enjoy some delectable chocolate peanut butter cookies with none other than Cabernet Sauvignon. Rich mouth feel, delectable berries, and heavy vanilla and baking spice flavours are sure to pair nicely with the peanut butter chocolate combo in the cookies. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!
Cheers to wine, comfort food, and staying safe!
Amanda Greenbaum is a Malibu, California (USA) native and the creator and content writer for SOMMthing Rad. Amanda is a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers and a mixologist. She also runs her family’s winery AJA Vineyards. Amanda previously worked at the 2020 Harvest at Lomond Wine Estate in Cape Agulhas, Western Cape, South Africa.
