Ten Wine Pours For National Snack Month

February is National Snack Month and, yes, there are some wines that will pair quite nicely with snack foods. (OK, junk foods.) Just remember, the wine should be at least a step above the quality of the snack.

 

Cabernet Sauvignon and a 

Snickers bar. Or a Pay Day. It’s that combo of salty nuttiness and a nice tannic Cab that will make your mouth beg for more.

Zinfandel and dried jerky. That meaty, peppery flavor melds well with a hearty Zin. You can even throw in some spicy jerky because the wine’s low tannins will work some magic with these flavors.

Merlot and Hershey’s Kisses. You can opt for milk chocolate or dark chocolate kisses, even the caramel ones would be worth a try. Regardless, you’ll enjoy a sweet and smooth indulgence.

Pinot Noir and a Milky Way bar. When those jammy pinot flavors meet that gooey, chocolaty, caramel bar, there’s only one word to describe it. WOW!

Chardonnay and a soft pretzel. Grab one at the mall and reheat, or freshly bake one at home. Then add that gooey cheddar cheese for dipping, and no one will ever accuse you of being a wine snob.

Riesling and Twinkies. The fruity flavors of a slightly sweet Riesling paired with that classic yellow, spongy, creamy filled cake will make you glad Twinkies had such a sweet comeback.

Pinot Grigio and cheddar crackers. They’ve both been around for a while. Pinot Gris grapes date back to the Middle Ages, while Cheez-Its Cheese Crackers were invented in 1921 in Dayton, Ohio. Goldfish Cheddar crackers were developed in Switzerland in 1958, and Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies (my favorite) have been hopping onto our snack trays since 1989. Take your choice, the flavors are tasty.

Moscato and glazed donuts. This is a match made in heaven. Just try it.

Champagne and French fries. A sparkling wine is perfect with salty foods like fries, potato chips, or hash browns for Sunday brunch. The wine’s acidity and bubbles keep the palate free of greasiness and emphasize that tasty tater flavor.

Tawny Port and Almond M&Ms. That smooth, nutty caramel flavor meshes well with the hard shell candy coating that encases chocolaty, almond goodness.

Now that should get you in the mood for celebrating National Snack Month. And if you find an interesting wine/snack combo, let me know.

~ Joy