Skip the wine and cheese and opt for these snacks to complement your drinks.

Have you ever considered pairing your wine with something other than cheese? How about a multipack of Walkers crisps and a £5 bottle of Aldi wine? It may not be a combination you'd find on a fancy restaurant menu, but trust me, it tastes amazing when done right. The fat and salt in the crisps can mellow out the tannins in red wine and bring out the zest in whites and rosés, resulting in a fresher and more balanced flavor. It's the same principle as pairing wine with cheese or meat – when done correctly, they can bring out the best in each other.

But it's not just about the flavors – the texture of the crisps is also important. The potato in the crisp can enhance the yeasty complexity in the wine, while the crunchy texture can bring out the fruit flavors. You may have heard people describe the flavors of a young red wine as "crunchy" – that's because the texture of a wine is just as important as the flavor.

So, forget about mild cubes of cheddar and bland crackers. Crisps are intentionally packed with flavor, and they can represent whatever is written on the packet. For example, prawn cocktail crisps are sweet, creamy, and tangy, making them a perfect match for a rosé wine. And the neutral edge of ready salted crisps pairs well with the crystalline effervescence of Champagne.

But let's not limit ourselves to just these classic flavors. There are plenty of other crisp and wine pairings to explore, such as Frazzles with a Côtes-du-Rhône, Ready Salted with a Cava Brut, Skips with a Cinsault Rosé, and Nice n' Spicy Nik Naks with a Riesling.

And let's not forget about Monster Munch Pickled Onion. This intense flavor can be a bit of a nightmare to pair with wine, but fear not – a voluptuously textured wine like a Primitivo or a ripe and racy white like Jurançon Sec can do the trick.

For those who prefer a cheesy snack, try pairing Quavers with a racy white wine from the Pyrenees or a slightly sweet and effervescent red like Chill Bill Spritzy Red. And for lovers of the classic salt and vinegar crisps, a lean and zesty white like Picpoul de Pinet can perfectly complement the tangy flavor.

If you're interested in learning more about wine and other drinks, be sure to check out Metro's Drinks Column. There, you'll find expert advice on the latest and greatest in the world of drinks, from the best supermarket wines to the tastiest non-alcoholic options. So, raise your glass and join us in exploring the beautiful world of drinks. Cheers!

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