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Tasty Wine & Snack Pairings!
Oct 31, 2012
I've always enjoyed pairing snack foods with wine, even if I don't always get a chance to test all my theories (like when I'm scanning the aisles in the grocery store) I like to play a game with myself each time I see a new flavour of chips or odd confectionery.

What wine would taste good with that...?

The reality is, people don't just sit at the dinner table with a glass of wine. We collapse on the couch while watching movies, we pull up a patio chair and soak in the sun or lounge by the fire in chillier months. Generally every occasion requires a different snack or a seasonal wine to suit the mood or temperature.

If tonight is the night to curl up on your couch and watch your favourite movie or TV shows - snacks are a must.

What Snack?

Salted Caramel Popcorn 

This recipe from Say Yes to Hoboken is a fairly simple one that requires:
 
1 batch of basic stovetop popcorn
1 stick of butter
1 cup of brown sugar
1/4 cup of corn syrup
1 t of salt
1/4 t of baking soda
1/4 t of vanilla extract

What Wine?

Chardonnay

I'm not talking Old World Chardonnay here but New World Chardy - voluptuous and creamy with loads of caramel and vanilla tones.
A very accessible option would be Kendall Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay but closer to home (if you are in British Columbia) the Township 7 Reserve Chardonnay 2008 or the Sandhill Chardonnay 2010 would also be perfect!
 

What Snack?

Grownups Rosemary, Parmesan and Truffle Oil Popcorn

This is one of my favourite snack recipes. I make it when people come over and for parties - it steals the show! I first had it at Sumac Ridge Winery several years ago and developed my own version - it's not a perfect recipe, sorry.
You can make this in a pot or in an air popper (I have an air popper, which works fine).

Popped popcorn - make sure it's still warm and fresh
a couple sprigs of fresh rosemary, chop the leaves into tiny pieces.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (Pecorino Romano will work well too)
Butter - melted
Truffle oil
Good sea salt
Freshly ground pepper

Slowly drizzle equal parts truffle oil and melted butter over the popcorn and toss until covered. Add the grated cheese and rosemary and toss more.
Taste for saltiness (it depends on the cheese and the amount you use) then season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.

Dive in and make sure you've got a napkin!

What Wine?

Sparkling 
 
Dry sparkling wine, especially those made in the classic style or traditional method are perfect. Sparkling wine loves the saltiness and savouriness of this popcorn!

Readily available, from Spain Codorniu Cava Classico Brut is a fantastic affordable option (buy two - it may be a long movie) or Segura Viudas Brut Reserva. Oyster Bay Sparkling Brut from New Zealand is another option if a pinch less dry than the Cavas. If you want to splurge how about the Lanson Black Label Brut Champagne
Closer to home the Neck of the Woods Blanc de Noir Brut from British Columbia is a nice option too.


Check out my Perfect Pairings page 

Need wine for Game Day - see my picks here

Wine for casual Junkfood, Fast Food& Snacks (burgers, pizza, ribs...)



~Daenna Van Mulligen (aka WineDiva)

 
 
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