Wine + Popcorn

The cool fall weather is here. That means more nights indoors watching movies and popping popcorn! I've been craving popcorn a lot lately. It's a delightful snack that is perfect for the season.
With a glass of wine, it is sometimes dinner.  

Popcorn and wine make great movie partners. 

Here's what you should know when you're looking for a delicious wine to pair with your popcorn...

CONSIDER:

• A wine with a lighter body

WHY? Popcorn is a very light snack. A lighter bodied wine will complement the delicate treat, while a full bodied red wine may bring the focus away from the popcorn. (I usually pair whites with this snack)

• A wine with some sweetness

WHY? Sweet and salty compliment each other, and luckily, so do sweet and sweet. So it's a win win when you are pairing wine and popcorn whether it be sweet or salty!

• What is ON the popcorn

WHY? If your popcorn has lots of butter, pair it with a buttery wine (usually oaked). If it is topped with spices, pair it with a spicy wine.

There is nothing more perfect for salty foods than a sparkling wine. The effervescence and crisp characteristics of these pair great with any type of popcorn...mainly salty or sweet...or even sprinkled with some Parmesan.

TRY: Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs

If you like to load your popcorn with butter, here is your match! A heavy oaked chardonnay will exhibit rich buttery flavors to complement your snack. 

TRY: Butter Chardonnay

This is your somewhat sweet wine that will pair perfectly with both salty AND sweet popcorn snacks. A sweet Riesling and some kettle corn would be a heavenly treat.

TRY: Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling

This is the wine to pair with your sharp cheddar, pepper, or spiced popcorn. The spicy notes in the wine will bring out the flavors in the popcorn. 

TRY: Shoofly Shiraz

Happy Weekend! Stay Cozy!


photo credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/mythoto/15319229095/">Leonard John Matthews</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/">cc</a>