Let’s take everyone’s favorite movie snack and give it a sophisticated twist — pairing it with wine. After some delicious experimenting, I’ve discovered a few combinations that truly shine. The beauty of wine pairing is that it’s meant to be fun and exploratory. It’s all about chasing your curiosity, mixing flavors, and seeing what works for your palate.
Some pairings are timeless, like a crisp sparkling wine with salty popcorn, while others are delightfully unexpected. Try these ideas as inspiration and don’t hesitate to create your own unique pairings.
Sparkling Rosé & Jalapeno Popcorn – Sparkling Rosé wines are perfect for cleansing your palate. Their bubbles are great in between bites. For those who enjoy a little spice, jalapeño popcorn finds a surprisingly elegant partner in Sparkling Rosé. The wine’s lively bubbles temper the heat. Its bright berry and floral notes offer a refreshing counterpoint to the popcorn’s kick. It’s a sophisticated balance of spice, sweetness, and effervescence — playful and exciting.
Muscat Blanc & Sweet & Salty Popcorn –
It’s my absolute go-to when I am craving popcorn. The sweet and salty combination feeds my typical cravings. The contrast between the wine’s sweetness and the popcorn’s savory notes is enjoyable. It’s almost like a dessert. This mix is great for those who like sweets and still want that saltiness as well.
I typically get BOOMCHICKAPOP‘s Sweet & Salty Kettle Corn for this pairing
Pinot Noir & Truffle Popcorn-
Think earthy notes when you drink Pinot Noir? Then truffles are an absolute choice to go alongside it. Truffles and their umami flavors enhance those savory notes. I like choosing a Pinot Noir with a lighter body. Alternatively, one with more pronounced fruit.
Albariño & White Cheddar-
Albariño is primarily dominant on stone fruits and citrus. It blends well with the savory part of white cheddar. It doesn’t overwhelm the popcorn’s umami notes. Instead, it creates a good harmony.
Prosecco & Caramel-
Find a version that is extra dry. This will result in a choice with more sweetness. The sweetness will match the intensity of the caramel. Bubbles are always a great pair with saltiness and sweetness. They become even better when you explore the different styles of Prosecco.
Viognier & Butter-
Try a dry Viognier with the classic ripe fruit. Butter popcorn is an ideal choice for wines like Chardonnay, where you get buttery notes, but its appeal has waned. Try a Viognier from Texas or California. Both will satisfy and round the flavors well without overpowering.
Cheers!
-Crimson & Cork
Crimson & Cork 
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