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Snacks · Wine pairing

What wine goes with popcorn (movie night)?

Salty, buttery popcorn is brilliant with sparkling wine or a buttery Chardonnay. A chilled Beaujolais works for red lovers.

The rule: Salt and butter → bubbles or butter.

By Rate This Wine editors · Updated · How we rate

Popcorn (movie night)

The 3 best wines with popcorn (movie night)

  1. Champagne

    1 Champagne Dry sparkling wine

    Bubbles and salt: the ultimate high-low pairing.

    Serve 43-48°F Non-vintage from $35; vintage $70+

  2. Chardonnay

    2 Chardonnay Full-bodied white (oaked) or crisp (unoaked)

    Butter on butter: oaked Chardonnay and buttered popcorn.

    Serve 48-55°F Good bottles from $12; top Burgundy $50+

  3. Gamay (Beaujolais)

    3 Gamay (Beaujolais) Light-bodied red

    Chilled Beaujolais for red drinkers.

    Serve 54-58°F From $12; cru Beaujolais $18-$30

Best on a budget: Prosecco or Cava.

Also good

ProseccoCavaZinfandel

What to avoid

  • Tannic reds. Salt makes tannin taste bitter.

It depends how you cook it

If you’re having…Pour
Caramel cornTawny Port or Moscato.
Truffle popcornPinot Noir.
Spicy popcornOff-dry Riesling.

Frequently asked questions

What wine goes with popcorn?

Sparkling wine is the best match. Buttery Chardonnay is a close second.

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