Pairing: Salty snacks like chips or popcorn

Salty snacks, such as chips and popcorn, are popular indulgences that enhance casual gatherings and movie nights. Their crispy texture and savory flavors create a delightful contrast with the right wine pairings, elevating the overall snacking experience. The key to a successful pairing lies in balancing the saltiness and texture of the snacks with the wine’s acidity and fruitiness. For instance, while popcorn's lightness calls for a crisp white, chips can stand up to bolder reds. This versatility makes salty snacks a fun and dynamic choice for any wine lover.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • Potato Chips or Tortilla Chips: The salty, crispy base adds crunch and flavor.
  • Popcorn: A classic light snack, easily customizable with seasonings like butter or cheese.
  • Wine (choose based on pairing): Essential for complementing and contrasting with the salty flavors; options include:
  1. Chenin Blanc: Its fruitiness balances the lightness of popcorn.
  2. Pinot Noir: Complements the flavors of salted chips.
  3. Lambrusco: The slight fizz and sweetness pair well with spicier snacks like flavored chips

Instructions

  1. Select Your Snacks: Choose a variety of salty snacks such as plain popcorn, cheese-flavored chips, or spicy tortilla chips.
  2. Prepare Popcorn: If making popcorn, pop kernels in an air popper or stovetop. Lightly season with salt or melted butter.
  3. Serve Chips: Open bags of assorted chips and place them in bowls.
  4. Chill the Wine: Ensure your selected wine is chilled (especially whites and sparkling).
  5. Set Up Tasting: Arrange the snacks and wine side by side. Encourage guests to taste different combinations, noting which pairings they enjoy most.
  6. Enjoy: Savor each bite and sip, observing how the flavors interact.

Serve With

Chenin Blanc, Pinot Noir

Learn More About the Best Pairings

Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc is a highly versatile white wine grape variety originating from the Loire Valley in France but now widely grown in South Africa.

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Pinot Noir

A light to medium-bodied red wine known for its elegance and complexity.

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Samplers

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