Ahh, wine and food pairing…
If those words make Michelin-starred restaurants and edible flowers come to mind, we’re here to flip the switch and share some easy, fun pairings that are accessible, approachable, and delicious.
And what better way to start than by pairing our wines with snacks from Trader Joe’s? As any Trader Joe’s shopper knows, the snack aisle selections are constantly changing with seasonal items, so the options are really endless! I sat down with Winemaker Michael Baldacci to taste test a few of these snacks based on textures and flavor profiles that we thought might pair well with specific wines, and – surprisingly! – there was one snack that paired the best with all of the wines.
Keep reading to discover the winner…
The snacks
- Trader Joe’s Organic Corn Chip Dippers
- Trader Joe’s Salt & Pepper Ridge Cut Potato Chips
- Trader Joe’s White Truffle Popcorn
The wines
Baldacci Pops Sparkling Wine
Baldacci Carneros Chardonnay
Baldacci Carneros Pinot Noir
Baldacci 2019 Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon
And the winner was…
The Trader Joe’s White Truffle Popcorn was a standout with all of the wines!
We first tried it with our Carneros Pinot Noir, and it paired so well that we had to try it with the Pops sparkling wine, Chardonnay, and Cabernet. You honestly cannot go wrong with this snack and wine pairing!
What made it so good? With the Pops sparkling wine, the freshness and brightness of the wine contrasted perfectly with the rich, umami truffle flavor, providing a refreshing companion. The tropical fruit and subtle creaminess of the Chardonnay likewise matched well with the intensity of flavor in the popcorn. The Pinot Noir was our absolute favorite pairing; the wine’s subtle earthiness and lush fruit both complemented and contrasted with the truffle flavor, and the popcorn made the wine’s ripe red cherry flavors even brighter. The Black Label Cabernet, with its richness, depth, and darker berry fruits, also provided a beautiful contrast to the salty and savory flavors in the popcorn.
So whether you’re reaching for bubbles or Cab for the big game, make sure to grab a bag – or three – of white truffle popcorn to enjoy with your wine. Your friends will thank you!
What are some of your favorite non-traditional wine and food pairings? What should we try next? Connect with us on social @baldacciwinery and let us know!