Every so often the occasion calls for a quick, tasty bite to eat while forgetting about nutrition. Wine types may not be the first beverage pairing to come to mind in the drive-thru line, but that doesn’t mean it won’t complement the most popular types of fast food. In honor of National Fast Food Day, here are some vinous selections to enjoy while indulging with all your scrumptious favorites!
Bacon Cheeseburger
California Red Blend
Whether you prefer a beef or plant-based burger, the meaty savoriness combined with gooey cheese and crispy bacon makes an irresistible companion to fruit-forward, plush red blends from California’s warm-climate vineyards.
Crispy Chicken
Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
There’s nothing like a succulent piece of crunchy white meat chicken on a buttery bun slathered with mayo or your other favored sauce to call for round, oak-aged versions of Chardonnay – try one from the Sonoma Coast.
Fried Fish Sandwich
Rías Baixas Albariño
The flaky, breaded texture of a fried fish sandwich matches beautifully with fresh, crisp styles of white wine. With its stone fruit, citrus, and mouth-watering salinity, Albariño from northeast Spain’s Rías Baixas DO is the perfect choice!
Pepperoni Pizza
Primitivo di Manduria
Pepperoni’s smoky/spicy qualities supported by melted cheese, tomato sauce, and a crust baked to perfection will pair marvelously with the explosive berry fruit and spice flavors of Primitivo from Manduria in southern Italy.
Hard Shell Tacos
Touraine Sauvignon Blanc
When hard shell tacos are on the menu, consider the lively mouthfeel and bright citrus and herb flavors of Sauvignon Blanc from France’s Loire Valley. This style will work especially well with the lime, cilantro, and cheese toppings as well as jalapeños if you like a little heat.
Steak Burrito
Mendoza Malbec
Along with a reputation for world class wines, Argentina’s Mendoza region is also celebrated for its top-notch beef. A glass of perfumed and concentrated Malbec will thrill alongside burritos filled with tender grilled steak, beans, rice, and the rest of your ideal ingredients.
French Fries
Crémant d’Alsace
The hot, crispy, salty character of French fries goes incredibly with sparkling wines such as those produced by the traditional (or Champagne) method. A bottle of Crémant d’Alsace provides all the bubbles and creaminess useful to cleanse the palate when eating this delectable fast food treat.
Mozzarella Sticks
Rosé of Pinot Noir
A glass of fresh, elegant rosé wine will shine when paired with the deep fried coating and stringy cheese center of Mozzarella sticks dipped in marinara sauce. Look for bottles made from Pinot Noir for their juicy red fruit and exceptional balance.