Pairing Wines and Takeout
Wine pairing advice is traditionally limited to gourmet food -- but what are you supposed to get wasted on when you're eating your typical meal of "#42, with chicken"? We asked Shubie's honchette Anne Semple to pair delicious vinos (all $15 or less) with all manner of takeout goodness. Here's the lowdown:
California Rolls: Avoid overwhelming the delicate flavors in sushi by choosing a "light" Sauvignon Blanc from France. Anne says French SBs are "crisp and refreshing and light in weight with a citrus lemon style", i.e., a Citrus Cooler Gatorade that makes you more handsome.Politely request: Lafite Speciale Bordeaux Blanc (France)
Buffalo Wings: These hand-staining beauties need a Malbec, the "younger brother of a Cabernet", which provides "Argentinean earth and spice without being weighty". Like Diego Maradona, pre-cocaine.Aggressively demand: Alamos Malbec (Argentina)
Gyro: To counter the delectable Greekiness of lamb, yogurt sauce et fixins, Anne recommends a "bright and soft, but never buttery" Chardonnay. She says unoaked Chard's are trendy right now, and, frankly, who the hell are you to argue?Hand a note to the cashier soliciting: Novellum Chardonnay (France)
Ice Cream: To celebrate your expanded pairing horizons, match up Ben & Jerry's with a ruby Port, as its "deep dark flavors and rich style" mix perfectly with dessert. The label may say "Chubby Hubby", but don't be fooled: you're just a fat single guy, havin' a ball with a bottle of port and a pint of 'scream.Choose: Ramos Pintos Collector Port (Portugal)