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Break the Culinary Rut: A Wine-Pairing Guide for Your Favorite Self-Isolation Meals

Are you tired of the same old meals during this prolonged period of lockdown? It’s time to shake things up and bring some excitement back to your dining table! With the right wine pairing, even the most mundane meals can become a culinary delight.

Pizza Night Just Got a Whole Lot Better

Whether you’re ordering in or making your own, pizza is a staple of self-isolation. But what wine should you pair with it? For a classic Margherita, look for an acidic wine like a Sangiovese-based red wine from Tuscany. If you’re feeling spicy with pepperoni, try a medium-bodied wine with stone fruit flavors like plum. And for BBQ chicken, a Malbec with dark fruit flavors like blackberry and blueberry is the way to go.

Elevate Your Frozen Pizza Game

Frozen pizza doesn’t have to be boring! Pair it with an effervescent red wine, and suddenly it’s a festive affair. The refreshing bubbles will make you forget all about the Netflix marathon ahead.

Burgers, Grilled Cheese, and More

Whether you’re grilling burgers in the backyard or baking them in the oven, a spicy, oaky red like a zinfandel is the perfect match. For grilled cheese and tomato soup, a chardonnay with sharp cheddar shreds is a surprisingly great combination. And if you’re in the mood for Chinese takeout, a fresh and elegant wine with a vibrant fruit palate will balance out the salt.

Sushi, Mac and Cheese, and Charcuterie Boards

Sushi takeout deserves a bright, floral wine with hints of tropical fruit to enhance its refreshing flavors. For mac and cheese, flavors of ripe stone fruit and juicy tropical notes, along with a hint of vanilla, will surprise and delight. And for charcuterie boards, a Merlot blend with three or four of your favorite cheeses and meats is an easy win.

Pasta, Pita, and Hummus, Oh My!

Pasta and wine is a classic pairing, but which sauce goes with which sip? For tomato sauce, a smooth red from Chianti is the way to go. For cacio e pepe, a sauvignon blanc offers a perfect bright and elegant taste. And for spaghetti and meatballs, a lighter Italian red with versatility is the answer.

Snacking Just Got a Whole Lot Better

Pita and hummus deserves a medium-bodied rosé for its versatility. Tacos can be paired with cabernet sauvignon for spicy seasoned ground beef or sauvignon blanc for lighter options. Salted popcorn calls for a crisp, fruity wine to balance out its saltiness. And Rice Krispies treats? A rosé with crisp acidity, morality, and hints of strawberries is the perfect match.

Ordering Wine Online Made Easy

Skip the trip to the liquor store and order your favorite wines online. Drizly offers quick delivery with a lot of options. Wine.com has a sweeping selection categorized for everyone from neophytes to master sommeliers. Nakedwines.com offers a $40/month membership that saves you up to 60 percent on international wines. And Winc curates monthly boxes based on a six-question quiz, starting at $39 per month.