We all like to pretend that we only have an occasional glass of wine when we are in a fancy place, wearing fancier outfits. But let’s be honest, sometimes a good show and your sofa are all you need to complement your wine. If you’re anything like us, you’ve already thought of this and gotten stuck at two points – what show? And what wine?
Whether you’re a fan of comedies, dramas, horror, or brute British men in trench coats and killer flat caps, there’s a wine that will go perfectly with your next binge-watching session. Keep on reading to find out about the best wine pairings with your favorite TV shows!
The Queen’s Gambit
The Queen’s Gambit is a show based on a novel of the same name. It follows the life of a young woman by the name of Beth Harmon who, after quite a turbulent journey, makes her mark in the world of chess.
The wine you choose to drink while watching The Queen’s Gambit needs to be just as dramatic and flavorful. So, a glass of the fruity, slightly spicy Zinfandel will go beautifully well with this show. The fact that the deep red of this wine matches Beth’s lipstick is just a rather sultry plus point.
Schitt’s Creek
Schitt’s Creek, the series that follows the Rose family through some ‘Schitty’ situations, is perfect to wind down to after a long week. This Canadian comedy takes a very rich family and puts them in a not-so-glamorous town where they have to start their lives afresh.
Cava, the affordable sibling to Champagne, is the perfect companion for this show. A bottle of Cava gives you a lemony flavor with very faint floral notes, making it a light and sweet drink with just the right punch. This complements the nature of the show brilliantly!
Also Read: 8 Best Champagne Cocktails For A Cocktail Party
F.R.I.E.N.D.S
The six 20-somethings in New York City that have stolen the hearts of multiple generations definitely deserve a toast. No surprise then, that the glass of wine you toast this show with needs to be as light-hearted and fun. The most obvious option that comes to mind, given this criteria, is Champagne!
Every glass of Champagne brings a burst of sweet, high notes of peach, citrus, or grape. These go hand-in-hand with the low, nutty notes that the spirit features. This combination of high and low notes makes this drink a fun, light, and bubbly journey, just like Friends!
Also Read: Champagne Vs. Prosecco: Everything You Need To Know
The Office
There’s nothing like settling into your cozy corner and putting on your comfort show, particularly when it’s The Office. As you’re settling in, a glass of wine might be just the extra oomph you need for the night. Moreover, the wine you choose might just win you the approval of the OG wine connoisseur, Michael Scott. So, what do you grab?
Based on Michael’s fantastic insight into his wine tasting of an ‘oaky afterbirth’, we think an oaked Chardonnay is in order. This wine brings in a buttery flavor with notes of hazelnut, caramel, and honey. This means you get a rich, full-bodied, and fun wine, quite like the show.
Given how legendary this show has become, we’ve created a small drinking game to go with it! Take a sip every time:
- Jim looks at the camera outside of the interviews
- Jim pulls a prank on Dwight
- Anyone says “That’s what she said”
- Angela mentions her cat
Have fun!
Game Of Thrones
The story of royalties, fealties, wars, and dragons! When you watch a show as grand and royal as Game Of Thrones, you need a glass of wine to go with it. Something that is rich, flavorful, and heavy. We think a good ol’ Cabernet Sauvignon is one to do justice to this series following the families and their kingdoms of old.
Cabernet Sauvignon is a red wine that is known for its dry, earthy taste. The flavor profile for this type of wine is diverse, covering dark fruit flavors as well as a few savory notes from different kinds of peppers. Lastly, a glass of this red, earthy goodness is guaranteed to make you feel like you’re one of the royals. Try it tonight!
Also Read: Cabernet Sauvignon In India: The Best Indian Red Wines
Stranger Things
This science-fiction fantasy set in the ’80s packs quite a punch with its story, gory action scenes, and rather riveting storyline. If you choose to snuggle into your sofa and get Stranger Things playing on the telly, you will need a wine that makes you feel just as punchy as the show does. So, we recommend you go for a good Beaujolais Nouveau and all its fresh, fruity glory.
Beaujolais Nouveau is made with Gamay grapes and is meant to be consumed young. The flavor profile is fruity, light, and sweet, making it a great non-intrusive compliment to a show like Stranger Things.
Also Read: The Best Foods To Pair With Red Wine
Bonus Points!
There’s a chance we might have missed out on your show. But, worry not, patron – we won’t leave you dry! Here are a few wines paired with genres of shows to set you up for your next binge session.
Comedy
Comedy shows are generally light-hearted, bite-sized packets of entertainment that you surf through mindlessly, mostly on a weeknight. This means the wine you drink while watching a comedy should also be light and fresh.
We recommend you go for Champagne or something just as bubbly. A sparkling wine carries light and fruity notes. Depending on what you buy, you can get flavors like apple, vanilla, citrus, and even a nutty flavor! We recommend going through a few sparkling wines before settling on your favorite, then enjoy!
Horror
If you’re watching something that is full of jumpscares, twists and turns, and just every other element that would make you jump, it’s only fair that your wine makes you do the same. For a glass full of surprises and shocks, a Sauvignon Blanc is something you can absolutely count on.
Sauvignon Blancs are dry wines that primarily carry citrus notes. However, you can easily find a few with hints of grapefruits, passion fruits, and even vanilla. If you manage to get your hands on a bottle that has been aged in oak, you can also find notes of vanilla or custard. This diversely flavored wine is a great companion for horror or suspense shows.
Action
Action shows do a great job of keeping you on the edge of your seat, trying to guess what comes next. One wine that has a similar effect on our minds is the Pinot Noir. A good Pinot Noir is layered and carries a versatile flavor profile, ideal for all those action-packed films.
Pinot Noir is slightly stronger than average wines and carries light, fruity flavors that can include raspberry, mushroom, and cherry. Additionally, if your bottle is aged in French oak, it will carry notes of vanilla or spice as well, making it flavorful enough to accompany a high-energy car chase.
Romantic Shows
Well, wines are considered to be one of the most romantic drinks ever. It is only fair that you grab a glass of it when you get a feel-good romantic show on. The thing to wonder here is, what sort of wine? Well, a rosé!
Rosé is a versatile wine that can be very sweet, but can also be very dry, depending on what bottle you buy. It generally carries a fruity flavor profile that swings between raspberry, citrus, melon, and even a few flowery flavors. Regardless of the nuances, a rosé is a very comforting and light drink that will make you want to hunker down as you enjoy a romantic show. If you’re with your partner, pop open a bottle and cuddle on the couch while you watch the show. The perfect romantic evening right there!
Also Read: Drinking 101: How To Taste Wine
Summing Up
We believe that when pairing wines with something like great shows, both of those things should let you feel the same kind of way. So, every wine and show combo in this list will be one complete experience that we promise you will enjoy. That being said, we recommend that regardless of how good the wine or the show is, keep the binging to the shows! Check out the combos mentioned in this list with an open mind and most importantly, have fun. Cheers!
FAQs
What Are Some Good Wine Pairings?
Some of the most popular wine and food pairings are Pinot Grigio and seafood, rosé and cheese, and Cabernet and red meat.
What Not To Pair With Wine?
You must not pair things like asparagus, brussels sprouts, chocolates, and sushi, with wines. The flavors of these foods might clash with that of most wines, making you overwhelmed.
Is Wine Good For Health?
In moderation, red wines have long been considered to be good for the health of your heart. They are claimed to prevent coronary artery diseases, owing to the presence of antioxidants in the wine.
Which Wine Is The Best?
It is generally believed that red wine is the ‘better’ wine to drink as it holds a few antioxidants as well as a sweeter flavor profile and texture. However, this is completely subjective and you’ve got full leeway to pick your favorite!
How Much Alcohol Is In Wine?
On average, a bottle of wine will have somewhere between 12% to 15% alcohol content.
What Are The Benefits Of Drinking Red Wine?
Red wines are known to have a lot of antioxidants, making them healthy for the heart. So, a glass of red wine every two-three days is good for your health.
Is White Wine Sweet Or Dry?
Most white wines are dry, as those are the ones most preferred by consumers. A few good examples of typical white wines would be Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris.
How To Drink Wine Properly?
Firstly, you need to get the appropriate glass, depending on the wine you are drinking. Then, start by taking a small sip and swirling the wine in your mouth, letting the flavors release. Then, continue drinking in small sips until you run out!
