Author: Randy Hamilton, CSW
When it comes to wine pairings, we’ve all heard the classics: red wine with steak, white wine with fish, and the like. But what about the unexpected? What if I told you that some of the strangest combinations can blow your taste buds away? Let’s break a few wine rules and dive into these weird pairings that seriously work!
1. Sauvignon Blanc and Sour Cream & Onion Chips
You might be skeptical at first, but trust me on this. The bright, zesty acidity of a good Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness of the sour cream while playing up the onion flavor. It’s the ultimate salty snack and wine combo.
2. Champagne and Fried Chicken
Forget caviar—fried chicken is where it’s at with Champagne! The bubbles and acidity balance out the greasy goodness of fried chicken, giving you a pairing that’s as classy as it is down-to-earth. Plus, the crisp texture of Champagne complements that crunchy chicken skin perfectly.
3. Rosé and Spicy Tacos
Rosé is often pegged as a “safe” option, but paired with spicy tacos? It turns into a flavor explosion! The slight sweetness in many rosés works like a cooling agent for the heat, while the acidity refreshes your palate between bites.
4. Cabernet Sauvignon and Dark Chocolate
This one might not be as “weird” as others, but it’s still surprising to some. The tannins in Cabernet Sauvignon latch onto the rich bitterness of dark chocolate, creating a velvety experience in your mouth. It’s rich, intense, and one pairing that wine lovers need to try at least once.
5. Zinfandel and BBQ Potato Chips
Zinfandel’s bold, fruity character works magic when paired with BBQ chips’ smoky, savory flavors. The sweetness in both the wine and the chips complement each other, while the spice in the chips brings out hidden layers in the wine.
6. Chardonnay and Popcorn
Next time you’re binging Netflix, pour yourself a buttery Chardonnay and make a bowl of popcorn. The buttery, oaky notes in the wine complement the salty, crunchy popcorn, while the wine’s acidity cleanses your palate after each handful. It’s weirdly addictive!
7. Merlot and Blue Cheese
Okay, this might sound wild, but the smooth, fruity Merlot actually stands up well to the bold, funky flavors of blue cheese. The fruitiness balances the intense saltiness of the cheese, making for an unexpectedly delicious duo.