FROM scampi fries to pork scratchings, we’ve all got our favourite pub snacks.
But when it comes to drinking at home, there’s a whole range of pairing combinations that you probably haven’t thought about.
Happily, drinks writer Neil Ridley, pictured, has penned a book called The Picky Bits Sommelier, which reveals the perfect snack to enjoy with your preferred tipple.
Neil said: “For many years I have been fascinated with the relationship between food and drink, and how so many seemingly simple flavours can combine to create a complete tapestry of taste.
“The combination of snacks and drinks brings out an array of complementary notes on the palate, and it has led me to explore some of our favourite picky bits, unlocking their perfect dance partners in the process.
“Each drink is paired with the perfect picky bit, which I’ve chosen from a selection of cherished British buffet classics.”
Here, Natasha Harding reveals some of Neil’s suggestions from the book.
- The Picky Bits Sommelier by Neil Ridley (Bloomsbury, £12.99) is out now.
RED WINE: MERLOT
Perfect picky bit: Asda/Tesco Breaded Garlic Mushrooms
Why it works: This pairing is all about keeping the garlic in check, but bringing some other, more subtle flavours forward, with touches of soft fruitiness and tobacco.
A decent bottle of Merlot will have some softer oakiness and tannic structure to withstand all the garlic but will play nicely with all of the other notes too.
Sublime sips to check out: Le Petit Balthazar Merlot 2023 (France), Luis Felipe Edwards Gran Reserva Merlot 2021 Acacia (Chile).
WHITE WINE: CHARDONNAY
Perfect picky bit: Morrisons Deli Ham & Cheese Croquetas/M&S Basil Pesto Marinated Italian Mozzarella Bocconcini
Why it works: The lighter, more lemon zest-led notes and acidity help to cut through the richness.
And the creamy oakiness and subtle spices (I always get a dusting of nutmeg with wines like Chablis) just enhance the richer flavours of cheese and that touch of smokiness in the ham.
Sublime sips to check out: Au Bon Climat Wild Boy Chardonnay 2022 (USA), Berry Bros White Burgundy 2023 (France), Greasy Fingers Big Buttery Chardonnay 2023 (Australia).
SPARKLING: PROSECCO
Perfect picky bit: Prosciutto and melon skewers/Asda Italian Cheese & Ham Rollitos
Why it works: The light, wonderfully crisp notes and that charismatic green fruit strike a chord here, and bring out a delicious nutty creaminess in the cheese, which is offset by the saltiness in the ham.
Similarly, the honeyed notes in the melon simply dance across the palate, riding on the soft, crisp, fruity Prosecco bubbles.
Sublime sips to check out: La Gioiosa Prosecco Brut Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG, right, La Marca Extra Dry Prosecco, Vinca Organic Sparkling Wine, 200ml cans (Italy).
DARK BEER: BITTER/CASK ALE
Perfect picky bit: M&S Dinky Cornish Pasties/Asda Mini Cottage Pie Yorkshire Puddings
Why it works: A great Cornish pasty is always well-seasoned, but not at the expense of the other ingredients.
The creaminess of the potato and swede must carry through and here, the ale draws out some sweeter notes in the pasty, bringing the whole thing together.
The maltiness accents the golden pastry perfectly too. The mini cottage pie Yorkshires provide an added savoury textural treat.
Sublime sips to check out: St Austell Cornish Best, Doom Bar Amber Ale, Young’s London Original (all UK).
CIDER: DRY & CASK-AGED
Perfect picky bit: M&S Our Best Ever Mini Sausage Rolls/Greggs Mini Sausage Rolls/Tesco Plant Chef Meat-Free Sausage Rolls
Why it works: The crisp, buttery puff pastry opens up a touch of creaminess at first, then the meat and apple notes just effortlessly mingle together.
One moment, it’s sweet, then savoury, then spicy, and back to sweet again. A carousel of flavourful joy.
Sublime sips to check out: Aspall Premier Cru Cyder (UK), Galipette Extra Brut Cidre (France), Maison Sassy Cidre Brut (France).
LIGHT BEER: LAGER
Perfect picky bit: Walkers Salt & Vinegar Crisps/M&S Prawn Crackers
Why it works: The crisp, refreshing flavour of a lager is beautifully enhanced by the saltiness of a good potato chip.
It’s hard to beat a bag of Walkers crisps and in this case, you’ll find the vinegar acts to really bring out the malt notes in the beer.
The wonderful sweetness that can be found in prawn crackers also helps to create a certain creaminess.
Sublime sips to check out: Toast Brewing Rise Up Lager (UK), Athletic non-alcoholic lager (US), Tsingtao Premium Lager (China).
