Wine is not just for fine dining – you can pair it with McDonald’s too – here’s how
A WINE fan proves you can drink vino with any meal – by pairing it with McDonald’s food.
Connoisseur Chris Cassell thinks a Big Mac goes perfectly with a glass of burgundy – and McChicken Nuggets or a McChicken Sandwich taste great with champagne.
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The 38-year-old believes that quality alcohol isn’t just for good food, and he hosts tasting nights at his store where he orders fast-food treats.
Chris’ favorite is Sauternes – a sweet Bordeaux white wine for £40 – which is paired with McDonald’s £1.19 apple tart.
He said: “We don’t all eat at Michelin star restaurants but most of us, like me, like to drink wine in the evenings.
“There is a wine selection with everything you eat.
“I thought it would be interesting to focus on something that isn’t traditionally paired with wine.
“Most people think, ‘All I can think about is pairing wine with a fancy dinner party or spending a fortune on premium wines.'”
“But actually you can combine any kind of wine with something.
“Prices are high right now, but there are some great combinations.”
Chris says the key to finding the perfect pairing is balance.
He recommends pairing contrasting flavors like greasy rotisserie chicken with a fresh, higher-acid wine like champagne.
He added: “A good example is fish and chips.
“We usually add something contrasting like lemon or vinegar because it contrasts nicely with fried breaded fish.”
The wine expert says the tasting events at his Must & Lees wine shop in Islington, north London, are more popular with younger diners.
At tasting events he charges £40 per person, so guests can taste five different wines while Chris explains the pairings to them.
So far they have been a great success as the next events – tomorrow and August 9th – have sold out.
Chris is also opening a second wine shop to potentially host similar events.
Big Mac and Burgundy
The FAST food giant’s most famous burger for £4.59 with Avery’s Fine Red Burgundy 2019 for £21.
Expert says: “Classic, crisp cherry aroma. Gorgeous juicy fruit layered with silky tannins.”
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Nuggets & Veuve Clicquot
CHICKEN McNuggets at £4.29 with Veuve Clicquot champagne at £55.
Expert says: “This champagne is elegant and rich with large and dense bubbles. Full of apple and lemon flavors.”
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Apple Pie and Sauternes
McDONALD’S Apple Pie with Sauternes worth £40.
Expert says: “The palate is full of honey-drizzled apricot compote, with hints of jam, a pithy freshness and Demerara sweetness.”
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