Takeaway treats that deliver
So the new “lockdown” affecting England right now doesn’t really feel like before. Wine shops are finally deemed essential retailers, so hope we’re all filling our boots with our faves, some Autumn treats and pre Christmas bargains. We need to support all our local retailers and businesses if we can and takeways are no excpetion.
So, what do you normally drink withyour takeway of choice? I hope its something decent, that reflects the treat you’re giving your family or yourself. Perhaps we should do a deal with Deliveroo or Uber Eats to deliver something suitable.
If you love an Indian, of course a beer or lager will go down well. But so will any of the following. Try a sparkling treat, which could be anything from a bottle of Prosecco (the best time to drink one, so you’re not taking in that sweetness with nothing to balance it out), an English sparkling if you’re pushing the boat out - always worth it, by the way - or a tasty, nutty Cremant that will complement that tasty, nutty tikka or balti and lift your night in.
If not, then try a Riesling, which will balance most spicy food. Some wonderfully delicate riesling varieties are avialble from Australia (Clare Valley is exceptional, affordable and citrussy) or a Kabinett from, yes, Germany. It’'ll cut through what you’re eating and go well with any football on the box. If not, a Pinot Gris from the Alsace, or try an acidic, citrus English white. They also go brilliantly with most Thai dishes, and also Chinese food.
Reds do work, but I like to save a drop to enjoy after the food. Otherwise, something soft, and smooth - lacking any harsh, competitive tannins - will go with your meatier curries and with Chinese treats like spare ribs, crispy duck and anything that’s touched a black bean. Go Gamay from France, smoother Cotes du Rhone, Syrahs or a fruitier Pinot Noir. All are a treat and all enhance the complexities of what you’re eating.
If you’re staying spicy and going Mexican, then push the envelope further with your Red. A fruity, lighter Shiraz or a Sangiovese works with the biger flavours. With whites, you can add a level of complexity with an Albarino or a Portuguese Duoro white. Or even a lighter, fizzier experience - better in warmer weather - like a Vinho Verde cleans the pallet brilliantly. Or a rose.
Fish and Chips Friday means English sparkling, Champagne (if you’re celebrating more than it being a Friday, or the smell of fish and chips), an English Bacchus or something similarly local that’s grassy and acidic. Or - of course - a Sauvignon Blanc. Push the boat out though, to New Zealand or the Loire. Try a Muscadet if you like, or something fresh like an Albarino or Torrontes will still work, particularly if you’ve gone mushy peas or pickled egg.
Don’t be shy to big up your pizza takeaway with a fruity Italian red, of course. Valpolicella, Barbera, Sangiovese/Chianti, Montepulciano will all feel authentic but see what you can get that’s decent - or fork out for a more expensive Merlot. A lot of fruitier whites also work.
And if you’ve managed to escape lockdown and looking for a solo treat to go with your kebab, there’s always something that works. I prefer a cup of tea with it, but if you fancy a treat and you’re still sober, make sure its something light, fresh and very acidic to cut through the (spoiler alert) fat content of your meaty feast.. English whites of course will do the job, but a Riesling, Picpoul de Pinet or even an Abarino will delight.
Enjoy your treats this month. Support your local takeaway businesses, but enhance your post-takeway feeling (whether its guilt or just feeling full) with a balanced, delicious wine that will turn it into a real treat.