What wines to pair with picky bits

 I don’t know about you but I’ve been grazing on picky bits - the on-trend term for the nibbles and snacks you bring out before or even instead of  a meal - for years but it’s only recently they’ve become A Thing

That’s thanks, in no small part, to Marks & Spencer’s current campaign which they’ve been energetically running since last Christmas.

in terms of what to drink with them I imagine you’re going to be thinking of sparkling wine, white or rosé but there are always going to be some among you who prefer a red, particularly with ribs, wings or other hot food.

And the more adventurous among you might be tempted by increasingly fashionable orange wine.

If you’re wondering which to pour the easiest approach is to ask yourself where do the picky bits come from and pair them with an appropriate drink. (Yes, I know you might mix and match but it’s a start!)

Here’s a quick guide. For more insights click on the links to the other posts I’ve written

Spanish picky bits (tapas)

Back in the day we used to call Spanish picky bits tapas - well some of us still do.

These are some of the easiest ones to buy off the shelf. Think olives, almonds, manchego cheese, tortilla, chorizo and of course Spanish ham (jamon) which is excellent.

Personally I like a chilled fino sherry with this kind of spread but I know it doesn’t appeal to everyone so you’re more likely to win approval for a bottle of Spain’s most popular white wine, Rueda or - slightly more expensive - Albarino.

Cava (which is typically drier than prosecco) is a good option too and really reasonably priced.

What about a red? There’s always Rioja (chose one of the younger, fresher styles like joven or crianza) or a Mencia.

6 of the best Spanish wines to pair with tapas 

Italian picky bits (antipasti)

The Italians are masters at picky bits which they refer to as antipasti.

Think grilled vegetables such as artichokes, aubergines and red peppers, salami, prosciutto and come on, don’t you do this?, wedges of pizza,

You’ll most likely think of popping the cork on a bottle of prosecco but if you feel brave enough I’d urge you to make it a frothy red Lambrusco.

Italy also has a fantastic selection of reasonably priced dry white wines - not just pinot grigio but orvieto, Vernaccia, Verdicchio, Vermentino … they all seem to begin with a V.

The best wine and beer pairings for pizza 

French picky bits

French picky bits are not cutting edge - more the kind of food you take on a picnic. I’m talking about saucisson and other charcuterie, paté and terrines and cheese - obviously cheese.*

Well there’s the whole world of French wine to choose from but who doesn’t fancy a glass of Provençal and other southern French rosé these days? Otherwise I’d go for Beaujolais.

Actually I lie. they do have what they call ‘cake’ which is like a quiche in cake form. There’s a recipe here if you want to make one. 

10 good wine pairings with paté 

Greek picky bits (mezedes)

We’ve been eating taramasalata and tzatziki (yoghurt and cucumber dip) for years along hummus though that’s more middle eastern but now there’s a much wider range based on savoury Greek pasties, feta dips and baked feta cheese.

Bright zesty Greek white wines like Assyrtiko are on a roll right now so do try one of those. They make good pale rosés too.

The best wine pairings for feta cheese

Middle eastern and Moroccan picky bits

Similar to the above with the addition of dips like baba ganoush (aubergine/eggplant dip), lots of chickpea dishes and a wider selection of pastries.

So again rosés - the Lebanon produces some good ones - work well but the more robust flavours of middle eastern and Moroccan food work well with fashionable orange wines too. And with reds.

What wine to drink with hummus 

Mexican picky bits

Personally I find it hard to get beyond a margarita with Mexican food but if the wine’s chilled and ready to open go for it.

The bright flavours of lime chilli and coriander that you find in guacamole, tacos and tostaditas are particularly good with zesty whites such as sauvignon blanc and Rueda.

See Wine, beer and other pairings with Mexican food

Indian picky bits

There is so much good Indian snack food - bhajis, pakoras and samosas to name just three - which despite being served with an assortment of chutneys and cooling yoghurt dip that they’re rarely really hot. I like them with a sparkling wine - whisper it, even champagne but crémant (champagne-style wine that comes from other French regions) is perfectly fine.

Same goes for chaat (do try chaat, it’s delicious!)

Six drinks you might not have thought of pairing with Indian food

Chinese picky bits (dim sum)

Dim sum is a daytime thing in Chinese restaurants but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it in the evening at home. Think dumplings of all kinds, steamed and fried, spring rolls and prawn toasts.

Again fizz (champagne and crémant or even English sparkling wine) works well but so do aromatic white wines like riesling.

Also I love this kind of food with alcohol-free sparkling tea

Which wines and beers pair best with Chinese food

Japanese picky bits

Japanese food has exploded in popularity over the past few years and you’ll find snack food like gyozas (fried dumplings), bao buns, yakitori skewers and of course sushi everywhere.

Crisp dry white wines like muscadet and picpoul de Pinet work extremely well (especially with sushi) but if you haven’t tried it before I do urge you to try sake - Japan’s famous rice wine.

(Bao buns often have a meaty filling. Try them with a pinot noir).

8 great drink pairings for sushi 

Korean picky bits

Korean food is the new kid on the block for most of us but seems we can’t get enough of anything kimchi or gochujang-related, especially Korean chicken wings.

Because of its bold flavours I think it goes better with a full-bodied fruity red than a white though orange wine works well with Korean food too. As do soju-based drinks.

What wine and other drinks to pair with Korean food

Finally, British picky bits 

The sort you have in front of the telly. Pork pies, sausage rolls, Scotch eggs, all of which you may feel call for a lager but are pretty good with a smooth white wine like a chenin blanc or lighter style of chardonnay or an easy drinking French red like a Côtes du Rhône. Or a cider. Cider is great with picky bits.

Six of the best drinks to pair with a Scotch egg 

See also Wine and appetizer pairings: a quick guide 

Top image by New England Scenes at shutterstock.com

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