Ordering in? Then reach for a bottle of local wine to pair with your takeaway meal
We’re all missing going out to a restaurant for our favourite meal right now but many have been making the most by trying to emulate the experience at home.
Even when restaurants do open, with customer capacity reduced due to social distancing measures, takeaways will still make up a core part of their service.
But without a sommelier on hand to give you recommendations on what to pair with your meal, where do you start – particularly if you want to opt for something made locally?
Here are our suggestions for wines from Kent, Surrey and Sussex to drink with your favourite takeaway.
What to drink with Fish & Chips
Wondering what to drink with the UK’s actual favourite takeaway? The crisp texture, refreshing finish and acidic nature of sparkling wines are perfect for cutting through the fried batter while a lightly floral palate is delicate enough to complement the light white fish underneath. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to English Sparkling Wine in the South East of England but try Halcyon Cuvée 2014 vintage brut, £37.
What to drink with a burger
High tannin red wines are usually the best match for red meat and BBQ-style dishes, which aren’t a particularly easy find if you’re looking for a home-grown wine. However, thanks to an increasingly warmer climate, there are some decent red wines starting to come through in the South East of England. It’s also important to find a wine with good acidity to cut through the fat. Try Bolney Estate’s Lychgate Red, £14.99.
What to drink with Italian
Many Italian dishes are rich in high-acid, tomato-based ingredients so require an equally acidic wine to balance things out. This is why Italian wines such as Barbera and Sangiovese work so well. Here in the South East of England, try Sussex winery Sedlescombe’s Regent Rondo, £19, a biodynamic wine with fruity berry flavours but also a the hint of smokiness you’ll find typical of Sangiovese.
What to drink with Indian
Juicy, fruity wines work well with most fiery Indian dishes. With its aromatic peach and pear flavour and floral character on the nose, Stopham Estate Pinot Gris 2018, £16, has plenty of fruit intensity and a refreshing and long finish to help cool you down.
What to drink with sushi
Sushi dishes are generally delicate and have gentle in flavours, so powerful, high alcohol, heavy fruit flavoured wines tend to overpower them. Seafood is the foundation of many sushi dishes however so it’s wise to match wines to suit, in which case sparkling wines work well. Try Nyetimber Classic Cuvée MV, £26.95.
What to drink with Thai
The strong umami-style flavours common is many Asian food are often the trickiest to pair with wine. Aromatic white varieties therefore usually work best, providing enough acidity to refresh the palate with a fruit intensity that will stand up to savoury flavours. With its zesty, citrus fruit flavours and grassy edge, English Bacchus is a great match. Try Hush Heath’s Balfour Liberty Bacchus 2018, £20. If you would prefer a red then high acid, low tannin wines, such as Pinot Noir work best. Try Albourne Estate’s Pinot Noir 2018, £17.95.
You can find more tips on food and wine pairings on the Wine and Spirit Education Trust Website.
