There’s nothing like watching a great TV show or movie from the comfort of your home while sipping a tasty glass of wine—and having something delicious to go with it. Our entertaining expert is back with her tips for making the perfect match.
BY STEPHANIE NASS
The age-old adage “in vino veritas” suggests that truth will be found by drinking wine. That might be occasionally true, but more reliably, pleasure is found in wine. And a key to enjoying wine is thoughtfully pairing it with food. The enjoyment of the food and the wine can be significantly enhanced by their combination. A good red wine can cut the fattiness of a backyard cheeseburger, increasing its deliciousness. Moreover, nothing beats a lobster roll with a good glass of ice-cold bubbles. Here we’ve paired several favorite bites Out East with wines that will make them taste their best ever.
BEACHSIDE S’MORES
This seasonal delicacy full of melted milk chocolate is great with a red wine. While you’re taking in the fresh sea air and the dessert sandwich, have a sip of Pinot Nero from Hamptons local vineyard, Wölffer Estate.
https://store.wolffer.com/product/Christians-Cuvee-Pinot-Noir-2020?productListName=Reds&position=1
LOBSTER ROLLS
A lobster roll is the ultimate understated indulgence. The lobster meat, removed for its shell, is mixed with herbs and creamy dressing but plopped into a simple bun. Chateau Montelena chardonnay changed the game for American wines; under blind testing, it was determined to be superior to French wines, at a time that was previously believed that France grew the best grapes. This chardonnay won’t leave anything to be desired when imbibed beside a lobster roll.
https://montelena.com/wine/2020-napa-valley-chardonnay/
TATE’S CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
So much nostalgia is baked into these cookies. A cabernet sauvignon accompanies them beautifully. This varietal from The Calling offers some powerful spice that will add depth to your cookie enjoyment.
https://www.thecallingwine.com/products/2019-our-tribute-cabernet-sauvignon/
ROUND SWAMP’S CHICKEN FINGERS
These salty-crusted tenders have a cult following and are delicious with a clean crisp sauvignon blanc, like this one from Brancott Estate. It has been widely decorated and conveniently has a twist off cap for those moments that you forget your bottle opener.
https://www.brancottestate.com/product/brancott-estate-sauvignon-blanc
CAVANIOLA’S CHEESEBOARD (JEFF GET PICTURE FROM OUR PARTY PICS)
The passionate purveyors at Cavaniola’s two locations know how to put a party on a platter. Enjoy this spread with some bubbly, ideally a crisp rosé. Sparkling Pointe is a winery on the North Fork, and its Topaz Imperial Rosé is a lovely local accompaniment.
https://shop.sparklingpointe.com/prod-411241/2020-Topaz-Imperial-Brut-Rose.html
BACKYARD CHEESEBURGER
This classic BBQ staple is best served juicy, with a nice slice of Gruyère cheese, a brioche bun and…a glass of red wine. Becker Vineyards has a nice Malbec that would be delightful in between burger bites.
DIVE BAR PIZZA
This casual bar and pizzeria has become an icon on Montauk Highway in Amagansett. When you pick up your next cheese slice, pair it with an Italian rosé. Calafuriaf rom Tormaresca is an elegant and fresh choice.
RITA’S CANTINA FISH TACOS
Anyone in The Springs knows that Rita’s a special place. Its ingredients are as locally sourced as possible, and the vibe is nicely chill. Make your experience even more special with some champagne. Perrier Jouët’s Belle Époque Brut is dry and not sweet.
https://www.perrier-jouet.com/en-us/champagnes/belle-epoque-2013
CARISSA’S CHOCOLATE BOUCHONS
These wine-cork shaped brownies are perfect with Avaline’s red blend. https://drinkavaline.com/products/red
GRINDSTONE DONUTS
These brioche donuts in unusual flavors never disappoint. Each flavor has its own profile, but if you go for a plain glazed donut, pair with a prosecco. Eataly ships all its wines to the Hamptons and has a wide selection of Italian sparkling wines.
https://ny.eatalyvino.com/wines/Antica-Quercia-Prosecco-Ancestrale-2019-w0273423cuDrizly delivers in East Hampton
