Some days you feel like flexing your culinary skills and whipping up a spectacular meal, but other days, you just want easy, no-frills food. There’s nothing wrong with a little comfort food, especially right now and there’s a wine out there to go with everything, even grilled cheese. Not sure which bottle to pick? Here’s a wine pairing guide recommended by winemakers who know their stuff.
Pizza - If you’re keeping your local pizza joint in business and want to know what kind of wine goes best with your pie, it all depends on what’s on it. For a classic Margherita pizza, try a wine with bright acidity, like a Sangiovese-based red wine from Tuscany. And if you’re more of a pepperoni fan, go for a medium-bodied wine with a “silkiness” to balance out the spice of the meat, like a Barbera red.
Burgers - If you’re cooking them up yourself, opt for a spicy, oakey red, like a zinfandel. But if you’re getting take out from In-n-Out, try a California cabernet sauvignon to go with the California burger.
Grilled cheese and tomato soup - This classic comfort food pairs perfectly with a chardonnay, especially if you use sharp cheddar.
Chinese food - Go for a wine with a “vibrant fruit palate” to balance out the salt in Chinese food, like a Soave, a dry Italian white.
Sushi - A bright, floral wine with “hints of tropical fruit,” like a Vermentino, will enhance the flavors of your sushi.
Mac and cheese - Whether you go for a box of Kraft or get fancy with your own artisanal cheese recipe, macaroni and cheese is one of the ultimate comfort foods and a chardonnay or a rosé will only make it more enjoyable.
Charcuterie - What goes best with your meat and cheese combo? The wine pros say it’s Merlot.
Salted popcorn - You’ll want a crisp, fruity wine to balance out the saltiness of this snack and a Pinot Grigio is a good choice.
Tacos - There are all kinds of fillings for tacos and different wines that go best with each of them. For spicy seasoned ground beef, try a cabernet sauvignon with rich flavors of dark fruits. If you’re having chicken, fish, or shrimp tacos, try something light and crisp, like a sauvignon blanc.
Source: Greatist
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