Wine & Popcorn

Say I mention the word “movies,” what is the first smell that comes to mind?

I bet in most cases the response would be unanimous: popcorn!

Movies and popcorn. The association is so deeply ingrained that cinemas actually boost the aroma in the lobby to have us line up at the concession stand and buy a small, medium, large or supersize popcorn along with a drink.

But here’s a question: when will cinemas start serving us a glass of wine with these delightful heat-popped kernels?

In the meantime, here are seven ideas to snazz up some simple popcorn and pair it with a glass of wine to enjoy movies the grown-up way.

1. Mix up a bit of melted butter with lemon zest (don't forget the sea salt) and drizzle over freshly made popcorn. All set for a glass of VIÑA SOL or VERDEO.

2. Red wine lovers: season the freshly made popcorn with grated Parmesan, olive oil and fresh rosemary. Serve with a glass of SANGRE DE TORO, CELESTE ROBLE or CORONAS.

3. For the more exotically inclined, here’s a great match for a good Bollywood movie: toss the popcorn in melted butter mixed with raisins, pistachios, a tablespoon of curry and coarse salt. As the dance numbers unfold onscreen, leisurely sip a glass of VIÑA ESMERALDA or WALTRAUD.

4. Here's something for fans of more intense flavors: Mince a handful of dried mushrooms (boletus) and parsley until very fine (powdery). Then season the popcorn with melted butter or olive oil, the powdered mushroom-parsley, and grated Gruyere cheese. Delightful with ATRIUM MERLOT, ALTOS IBERICOS or CELESTE CRIANZA.

5. Can GRAN SANGRE DE TORO find its ideal popcorn match? Crumble a bit of blue cheese and finely sliced almonds or hazelnuts into the melted butter, then add to the popcorn for a striking contrast bound to please any arthouse film buff.

6. Looking for something sweet to savor with our Muscat dessert wine FLORALIS? A bit of grated coconut, dried pineapple, three tablespoons melted butter and three tablespoons powdered sugar and voila!

7. Gourmets and lovers of all things exclusive will appreciate this simple variation: popcorn seasoned with truffle oil, Parmesan, sea salt flakes and black pepper. The perfect choice for a GRAN CORONAS.