Wine and Fast Food….Really?
There are dozens and dozens of books devoted to the traditional wine and food pairing: steak with red wine, chicken with white, etc. But here are some off the wall suggestions for foods we eat when we are in a hurry. The recommendations come from Wine Folly, Insider, Wine Enthusiast, and Parade Magazine.
Few folks regard Mexican food as wine-friendly. However, there are some combinations that work very well.
Chili Peppers’ intensity and heat can be cooled off by sipping a light, refreshing, and well chilled Rosé. Several Ohio wineries will provide some which be excellent choices. If for those of you who prefer something a little heartier, a medium dry red blend could be a great option.
Tomato sauce, onions, and garlic are often regarded as difficult. A bigger red like Cabernet Franc or Malbec will hold their own with these flavors.
Re-fried beans may call for another of those dry to off-dry red blends. Or perhaps a French hybrid varietal like Chambourcin would work well.
When Cilantro is used as a flavoring, if the dish is not too spicy, consider a Pinot Grigio, Riesling, or an off-dry white blend.
How about Tacos? My favorite is a Pinot Noir or a Merlot. Both are relatively low in tannins and are great for that middle of the week's quick dinner…or with take-out from one of our many regional Mexican restaurants.
What about fast food take out?
Kentucky Fried Chicken? You may not want to invest in a bottle of expensive French Champagne [or California sparkler] for your dinner, but a bottle Ohio ‘Charmat method’ production is often available for $10 to $12 and can turn that Americana chicken favorite into a real evening treat.
The recommendations for Big Mac include something like Pinot Noir or Merlot or light, low tannin red blends.
Bacon Cheeseburgers from Wendy’s might taste just a bit better if it accompanied by a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or even something like Dornfelder or Dolcetto.
Chix Fil has almost a cult following. [How long do you typically have to wait when you try to drive through at lunchtime?] Next time you drive through in Mentor or wherever, plan to sip a glass of Pinot Grigio, Gewūrztraminer or Grūner Veltliner.
Dominos Pizza [or one from the many great local Pizza companies here] would work with Pinot Noir if the pie contains lots of pepperonis or if it is cheesy only, consider Pinot Grigio.
And then there is the backyard grilling out.
Hot dogs actually go pretty well with one of those chilled Rosé options. And for Brats, Riesling, even if you top them with sauerkraut.
So just for fun, drop the snobbery and sip along with food that is what most of us enjoy, at least occasionally.