‘Fizz & Chips’

IWSC news

Thu 4 Dec 2014

‘Fizz & Chips’

Judges from the IWSC Share Top Tips

VIEW THE INFOGRAPHIC

 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’, but all of the experts agreed to keep it traditional with a cup of tea when enjoying a full English breakfast.·        

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

 

Notes to editors:

For more information please contact Holly Axelrad at Green Row, Holly@greenrow.co.uk  or 020 8960 8950

 

  • The International Wine and Spirit Competition was founded in 1969 and is the premier competition of its kind in the world. Its aim is to promote the quality and excellence of the world's best wines, spirits and liqueurs. All entries are blind tasted in groups divided by variety, region and vintage as necessary.
  • The IWSC has partnered with Wines Direct to promote its top 2014 award winning wines. The price comparison website will allow consumers to search for medal winners by country, variety, colour, region, or retailer. The website will also show judges’ tasting notes for wines which have won trophy, gold, gold outstanding and silver outstanding.
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