Collegiate Times

If you?re in the mood for a little more Eastern influence and order some Chinese takeout, there are many wine choices. Something sparkling and fruity pairs well with the Chinese flavors; I particularly love rieslings. They are a little bit sweeter than most wines and have refreshing citrus flavors that work well with Chinese food. Riesling typically comes from Germany and often has a screw cap instead of a cork. The presence of a screw cap in no way indicates that the wine inside is bad ? it can actually be quite good. One of my favorite rieslings actually comes with a screw cap, which makes it really easy to keep the wine fresh after it?s opened. Another wine frequently paired with Chinese food is gewurztraminer (I actually have no idea how to properly pronounce this; I call it ?that wine with the weird name that starts with ?G??). Personally, I have not tried this wine; it?s a little odd and not easily found. However, I have heard that it is a little bit spicy and that is why it is frequently paired with Chinese food. Be careful though, I?ve also heard people say that it is a ?love it or hate it? kind of drink.

If you?re not going to have a whole meal or are just late night snacking, you have many beverage options. The 1 a.m. Firehouse delivery guy knows my apartment well, and if I?m feeling like adding some class to my pizza, I reach for a bottle of sangiovese. Sangiovese is the grape used to make chianti, and the Italians love this wine for a reason. Sangiovese has a crisp, rich flavor that goes excellently with any type of tomato sauce. Barbera is another Italian wine that would pair well with pizza. If you?re munching on popcorn, champagne is an excellent pairing. It sounds weird, but trust me. The tartness and high acidity of champagne cuts through the butter on the popcorn, and the bubbly texture of the champagne goes well with the lightness of the corn. It?s a great way to make a movie viewing more romantic. One snack that goes will all wines is Cheez-its. Cheese and wine is a classic pairing, but who has the time to carve up a block of cheese? Cheez-its are easy to eat and keep longer and pair with most wines.

So maybe you?ll look silly at first when you come home with a greasy Five Guys burger and a bottle of merlot, but after trying the two together you ? and the roommate that made fun of you ? will be hooked. Suddenly, fast food can be a classier, more fun meal, as long as you take the food out of the bag first.

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