‘Fizz & Chips’
Judges from the IWSC Share Top Tips
Drinks experts from around the world who judge for the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC), have shared their top recommendations for everyday food and wine pairings. Highlights include partnering your fish and chips with a glass of champagne for the ultimate ‘Fizz & Chips’ (although, all of the experts agreed that whilst enjoying a full English breakfast it was better to keep it traditional, with a cup of tea.)
- Sausage and Mash – A full bodied red wine like Côtes du Rhône from France or an Australian Shiraz
- Fish & Chips – The acidity of the champagne helps cut through the fried food
- Full English – To get the most flavour out of your meal, our experts suggest a nice cup of tea!
- Chinese Takeaway – A fresh, crisp Pinot Grigio works well with sweet and spicy food
- Pepperoni Pizza – Stick to Italian wine such as Chianti when eating the country’s delicacy
- Indian Curry – The spicier the curry the sweeter the wine so try an aged Riesling or Alsace Gewürztraminer
The judges also revealed top pairings for the festive season, with the IWSC suggesting award-winning wines that are available from the local supermarket:
- Roast turkey with all the trimmings – Asda Extra Special El Meson Rioja Gran Reserva 2004
- Poached whole salmon – Xanadu Next of Kin Chardonnay 2011
- Christmas pudding – Sainsbury’s Winemakers Selection Muscat Saint Jean de Minervois NV
- Chocolate dessert – Tesco Finest* 10 YO Tawny Port
- Roast goose – Cono Sur 20 Barrels Pinot Noir 2012
- Nut roast – Marks & Spencer Manzanilla Sherry
With many consumers sticking to the well-known wines because they feel overwhelmed when facing the drinks aisle, the experts have suggested similar wine and grape varieties to help consumers discover new tipples:
- If you like Sauvignon Blanc then try Pouilly Fumé
- If you like Rioja then try Chianti
- If you like Zinfandel then try Primitivo
- If you like Barolo then try Nebbiolo
- If you like Chardonnay then try Chablis
- If you like Gewürztraminer try Viognier
- If you like Merlot try Grenache
The judges also gave their drink predictions for 2015, highlights included;
- India being flagged as ‘the country to watch’ for producing interesting spirits
- Turkey and China ‘ones to watch’ for producing interesting wines
- Flavoured whisky set to be a big trend next year with the younger generation
- A rise in celebrities launching wines and spirits
General Manager, Ewan Lacey commented, “For most, one of the biggest dilemmas of the festive season is choosing the wine for Christmas lunch. The IWSC works with the world’s best drink experts and we wanted to share some of their top tips for buying wine and spirits.”
The research was conducted by the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) widely acknowledged as the most prestigious and independent contest of its type in the world. The competition has over 300 judges from 30 countries who have shared their exclusive tips for choosing wine and spirits, in celebration of the competition’s 45th anniversary. The full list of tips can be viewed in the cut out and keep ‘The Drinks Knowledge’ infographic.
For further information on the International Wine and Spirits Competition please visit www.iwsc.net
DRINKS ENTHUSIAST 