Many have been on a bit of “how-to-survive-the-quarantine-for-months” hype amid the COVID-19 pandemic recently. Suddenly, everyone started cooking. But, as much as we wanted, not everyone can be a great gourmet chef!

 

Good thing, it turns out that you can enjoy a restaurant-like feeling with your wine without even cooking. Well, at this time of crisis, adaptability is a positive quality! So let’s break some wine pairing rules and get the best out of your available food at home! Here are great snacks and wine pairing you can try during COVID-19 quarantine.

Instant Noodles and Pinot Gris

The COVID-19 quarantine has been seemingly the boom period for all noodle lovers. The rich, savory flavors of instant noodles will always make you thirsty. If you suddenly want to drink vino, pair your noodles with a Pinot Gris. The wine’s light sweetness can balance all the fatty, savory and salty aspects from the noodles’ broth and toppings.

Eggy Snacks with Sparkling Wines

The bubbles and acidity of sparkling wines can cut through eggy fat. For the best of both world’s experience, you may want to pair your egg-based snacks with Blanc de Blancs. Alternatively, you may opt for Crémant de Bourgogne, Crémant du Jura, and other sparkling wines from other regions of France for a more affordable pairing.

Peanut Butter Banana Toast with Tawny Port

Are you one of those people who like bananas on their peanut butter toast? If so, an aged tawny port will surely take your sweet, nutty toast to the next level! The caramel, nutty notes of this port wine go well with the nutty notes of your peanut butter spread, while, at the same time, playing off the sweetness of the banana. Ultimately, for an extra-healthy twist, sprinkle some chia seeds on top of your toast!

Sweetened Nuts with White Wines

When it comes to sugar and wine, you’ll either match sweet for sweet or contrast it with acidity. Pair a demi-sec Champagne with roasted, candied nuts. This French sparkling wine can stand up to the sugar and cut through the richness of roasted nuts. If you’re into lightly sugared nuts, choose Riesling, and you’ll enjoy a harmonious balance of fruit and acidity.

Candy and Popcorn Mix with Sparkling Rosé

When going to the movies during your childhood, do you also mix your candies with your popcorn? If we’re on the same boat, you can actually upgrade this combo and add some kettle corn, Swedish Fish, and Sour Patch Kids with it! Pair this with a Sparkling Rosé, and you’re on to a winner there.

Pretzels in Chocolate Hummus with Malbec

Forget about Nutella and go for a healthier Chocolate hummus! Don’t worry; this chickpea dip still has that Nutella-like creaminess and taste, except all the sugar. Grab some thin pretzel crisps and dip them in the hummus. This snack combo is best paired with a Malbec. The dark chocolate oak taste of the wine goes well with the combination of the saltiness from the pretzel and the milk chocolate. This pairing is as addicting as Nutella, only that it’s healthier!

Fruits and Nut Mix with Red Wines

Nuts and fruit mix can bring out the jammy notes of Pinot Noir and the fruitiness of Rioja. Generally, a combination of dried cranberries, cherries, sultanas, and nuts (you may have some dark chocolate for an ultimate snack) can get the best of any red wines, including Syrah, Zinfandel, or Cabernet Sauvignon.

Oreos with Muscat

If you’re one of those people who don’t like bitter, don’t pair dry wines with any sweetened snacks, including your cookies. Instead, they work well with the sweet flavors of orange blossom and peaches of Muscat. Who says cookies are only great with milk? Those people haven’t tried pairing Oreos with Muscat yet!

Cheez-It Crackers with Cabernet Sauvignon

No cheese? No problem. Go to the closest (and safest) convenience store and grab some Cheez-It crackers. The breadiness and cheesiness of Cheez-Its complement the boldness of red wines. And just any cheese, Cheez-It should go well with Cabernet Sauvignon.

Yogurt with White Wines

Turn your plain greek frozen yogurt into something classy! This dairy’s sourness pairs perfectly with the same tart flavor profile of Sauvignon Blanc or Sémillon, especially those from Chateau Lafite Rothschild. The wine grapes from this wine estate underwent extended barrel aging, providing great acidity and richness to its wines. No wonder they have one of the most expensive vintages around the world! For an ultimate pairing experience, serve your yogurt with baked spiced apples or pears and a glass of white.

 

Takeaway

All of these snacks are almost readily available in your pantry or fridge. They’re also affordable and easy to find, which is a big plus! The recommended wines can also be almost easily bought from the nearest stores in your area, if not online. Keep them all reserved in your house because—let’s face it—stress is inevitable at this time of the pandemic, and so is our snacking!