Perfect Pairings: Easy Snacks to Serve with Wine
Sometimes, after a long day of work, all I want to do is kick back on the couch with a glass of wine and some quick sustenance. These casual nibbles help quell any hunger and ease me into a relaxing evening. While I definitely appreciate a formal meal served with multiple courses, my weeknight pleasure is pairing easy snacks with wine. It’s super simple to match up certain, effortlessly prepared foods with your favorite varietals, especially cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay. In this article, I share a few simple noshes that are friendly to both. Hope you enjoy.
Pairing Easy Snacks with Wine
Vegetable Crudités
For a healthy bite, grab your favorite raw or quick-steamed vegetables and dip them into a zesty, homemade herb dip or even a small bowl of bottled Green Goddess dressing. Not only are you getting your veggie count for the day, Green Goddess plays nicely with Jordan Chardonnay. The fresh herb notes in the dip complement the bright acidity and fresh fruit flavors.
Beef Jerky
High protein, low carb goodies like beef jerky provide a ton of nutritional benefits, from essential amino acids to vitamins and minerals. While you can certainly prepare your own jerky (like this one from Alton Brown), there are plenty available on the market that will tickle your tastebuds with a spicy kick or satisfy that urge for meatiness on the palate. But, to best pair this easy snack with wine, be sure to stay away from the high sugar or super spicy versions. Cabernet sauvignon can be a great friend to beef jerky when you’re looking for something fast.
Jordan Spiced Nuts
While high-quality mixed nuts can definitely serve as a stand-in, our spiced nuts take snacking to whole new, delicious level. They’re definitely worth the added effort. Make them on the weekend and enjoy throughout the week with Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon. The earthy notes of the baked thyme and rosemary plays really well with the earthy notes of the wine.
Build a Charcuterie Board
While it may sound complicated, putting together a charcuterie board is much easier than it sounds. This small meal requires no cooking and, if you have 15 minutes, you have a beautifully easy snack that pairs with wine. It’s super filling and matches up with a wide range of varietals, especially those with balanced acidity and structure. A fruit bomb won’t work but an elegant, French-style Chardonnay that has balanced oak and acidity or a Cabernet Sauvignon with subtle tannins would perform beautifully. Follow the instructions on our video for How to Build a Charcuterie Board to discover just how simple it is.
Marinated Olives
Talk about easy! Our recipe includes two types of olives plus protein-rich almonds and extra virgin olive oil, for a substantial, healthy evening nosh or appetizer. Meyer lemon zest and the buttery olives combine for an ideal match with crisp, balanced Jordan Chardonnay. Although the olives need marinating time (at least eight hours), you can throw these together in the morning and come home to a joyous, relaxing time on the couch.
