Many of us are spending a lot more time at home than usual – and that means we’re watching a lot more TV. So it’s the perfect time to experiment with some fun new wine pairings. Instead of pairing wine with food, why not look to the screen for inspiration? With the help of an NYC-based wine expert, here are some delicious Australian wines that pair perfectly with your favourite TV shows.
Iconic sitcoms + sparkling Shiraz
When the world feels uncertain, there’s nothing more comforting than binge-watching a familiar sitcom, whether it’s The Office, Friends or How I Met Your Mother. And you’ll want something bubbly and fun to drink with it. Vibrant, fruity and refreshing, sparkling Shiraz is a great match. Like many of these classic comedies, sometimes it even gets better with age.
“I can’t help but compare Seinfeld’s premise of ‘a show about nothing’ to our current homebound status, where sometimes it feels like there is, literally, nothing to do,” says New York City–based wine writer Shana Clarke. “However, I still turn to this classic, which always provides a laugh. Somehow, the jokes seem even funnier with a glass of sparkling Shiraz in hand. Like the show, it’s a fun, fizzy sip that doesn’t take itself too seriously.”
Reality TV + Pinot Noir
When reality becomes a bit hard to handle, escaping into someone else’s reality is the antidote you need. Whether you’re indulging in The Bachelor, speculating about The Masked Singer or marvelling at the endurance of the Kardashians, a silky Pinot Noir makes a great partner. Pinot is one of the hardest grapes to grow and wines to make – like many reality TV stars, it can be demanding and unpredictable. But when it’s done well, the results are pure pleasure.
News + organic/biodynamic wine
Right now, your eyes are probably glued to news story after new story. And while it’s important to stay informed, it doesn’t always make you feel good. So take things into your own hands and do some good for the planet with an organic or biodynamic wine. From Chardonnay to Viognier to Cabernet, these sustainably made wines are on the rise in Australia and their quality has never been better.
“If one can stomach watching news stories about viruses and wildfires, drinking wine from a producer who follows organic/biodynamic/sustainable practices is an ideal match,” says Shana.
Crime shows + Cabernet Sauvignon
The complex, layered plot of a show like Ozark, NCIS or Law & Order: SVU could use an equally intense wine – enter Cabernet Sauvignon. Inky and intriguing, Australian Cabernet is no wallflower, and its rich flavours and bold tannins pair perfectly with those edge-of-your-seat moments.
Historical drama + sparkling wine
“During the pandemic, I escaped into the world of British aristocracy and royalty with Downton Abbey and The Crown,” says Shana. “All the fancy dinner party scenes made me want a glass of Tasmanian sparkling wine.”
There’s no better escape than immersing yourself in a different time. For a historical drama – think The Crown, Vikings and Boardwalk Empire – you want a wine with history, so a traditional method sparkling wine is perfect. Australia has been making sparkling wine since the late 1800s, and today, cool-climate regions like Tasmania, the Adelaide Hills and the Yarra Valley are producing world-class fizz. Many traditional method sparkling wines are matured for several years before release, giving them a beautiful complexity.
80s-themed shows + Shiraz
The 80s have been having a major moment, with a number of hit series throwing back to this decade of neon and mullets, including Stranger Things, GLOW and The Americans. Pair the nostalgia of these shows with a vibrant Aussie Shiraz – the Australian wine success story that’s famous around the world, partly thanks to its major boom in the 80s. Bright, bold and full of personality, it’s a perfect match.
“I recently discovered the 80s-era nostalgia show Red Oaks,” says Shana. “Set at a New Jersey country club, I felt a bold Shiraz would fit perfectly with the big hair and excess that marked the era.”
Want to know more?
Download ‘Introduction to wine: the ultimate guide’ to learn about Australia’s top wine styles and regions. It also covers all the basics of wine, including how it’s made, how to taste it and how to serve it.
