How to do the wine and crisps pairing trend

With the wine and crisp pairing trend going viral on TikTok, sommelier Rory Anderson makes his suggestions on how to get involved.

Fine dining and wine has always been a match made in heaven, as perfectly illustrated in the comic book series The Drops of God. But younger consumers have realised that you don’t need to have steak tartare to enjoy a Cab Sav, and a packet of Ready Salted can be just the ticket.

Enjoyed by foodies and wine connoisseurs alike, the wine and crisp pairing trend reached new height in December, where it was trending across the internet, according to Google. It kicked off when TikToker Eli Rallo started tasting various wine and crisp pairings inspired by an infographic with other TikTokers following suit.

Now luxury hamper firm Baxters of Scotland have paired up with artisan sommelier Rory Anderson to explore the best options.

Anderson said: “The wine and crisp pairing is a more accessible version of the classic cheese and wine combo. Although both are unequivocally palatable, the first one highlights the wine’s undertones in a different way and is more versatile in terms of pairing options. This makes it perfect for many occasions, whether it’s a get-together with friends, a classy social event, or an easy but delectable way to gather your close ones around the festivities.”

“The reason this combination works is because the salty taste and satisfyingly crunchy texture of crisps help bring out the fruity flavours that are hinted in the wine. At the same time, the fat in the crisps softens the wine’s acidity while the potato amplifies the yeast complexity of the wine, catering to a more pleasant experience for the taste buds.”

Below are Anderson’s suggested pairings and tasting notes…

White wines

Riesling and salt & vinegar

Salt and vinegar crisps are not to everyone’s taste, as the vinegar flavour is quite poignant, but they certainly pair well with Riesling.

The high acidity and lemony taste of Riesling soften the vinegar taste, and it’s one of the few wines that can do that, so save your salt and vinegar crisps for when you open a bottle of Riesling.

Chardonnay and sour cream & onion

Sour cream and onion crisps have a nice zing to them, and they perfectly bring out the creamy and buttery taste of a Chardonnay white wine.

The tropical fruit notes and the sharpness of the wine’s acidity provide a delightful contrast to the saltiness of these crisps.

Red wines

Malbec and smoky BBQ

Malbec, often featuring dark fruit notes like blackberry and plum, along with hints of chocolate and spice, and even a smoky, meaty flavour, complements and enhances the spice elements present in BBQ seasoning.

The wine’s balanced tannins and acidity complement the indulgent flavours present in these crisps.

Pinot Noir and sweet potato crisps

When pairing sweet potato crisps with wine, striking the right balance is key. You need a wine that complements the crisps’ sweetness without overpowering them, and Pinot Noir is an excellent choice.

With a delightful blend of fruity and earthy notes, Pinot Noir enhances the sweetness of the crisps, creating a well-balanced flavour symphony.

Moreover, Pinot Noir’s lower tannin levels, compared to some other red wines, eliminate any astringent or bitter sensations that might clash with the sweetness of the crisps. Together, they make for a healthier and enriching wine and crisps pairing.

Rosé wines

Provence Rosé and prawn cocktail

Prawn cocktail crisps boast a nuanced blend of sweetness, tanginess, and creaminess in their flavour profile. Opting for Provence Rosé makes for a delightful pairing, as this wine is renowned for its dry, crisp, and light-bodied nature, harmonising seamlessly with the subtle and refined taste of prawn cocktail. With its aromatic medley of red berries, citrus fruits, and floral notes, Provence Rosé perfectly enhances the inherent sweetness of the prawns.

Grenache Rosé and Thai Chilli Sensations

Pairing Thai Chilli Sensation crisps with a fruity rosé wine such as Grenache Rosé can be a delightful culinary experience. The fruity notes in the rose wine, such as strawberry, raspberry, or watermelon, can provide a pleasant contrast to the heat and spiciness of the Thai Chilli Sensation crisps, while the sweetness in the wine helps balance the heat, creating a harmonious flavour balance.

Moreover, the inherent refreshing quality of a fruity rose, especially one with good acidity, can act as a palate cleanser between bites, enhancing the overall experience.

Sparkling wine

Champagne and ready-salted

For those who love a bit of sparkle, Champagne undoubtedly pairs well with ready-salted crisps. In fact, it’s a match made in heaven.

Simplicity and sophistication meet in this classic combo, where the salty and savoury crisp refreshes your palate as you enjoy sips of Champagne’s effervescent radiance.