We’re pairing one of our all-time favorite snacks – hummus and pita chips – with wine. Seriously, what’s not to love about this delectable dip? It’s healthy, it’s tasty, and it makes an amazing happy hour snack. Plus hummus and wine is a light enough snack that it won’t totally fill you up, but it can help hold you over while you’re waiting for dinner to arrive. Use this pairing guide to help you find the right wine for whichever hummus you love best.
Plain Hummus
“Plain” is really a misnomer: Hummus is traditionally made with chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and garlic, and it’s packed with flavor. Smooth, creamy hummus pairs well with a creamy white wine that has undergone malolactic fermentation. You could go with a Chardonnay or a white Rhône blend, with notes of beeswax and brioche. Classic hummus also pairs nicely with a medium-bodied rosé or light fruity red like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais.
Roast Garlic
While any kind of hummus has garlic, roasted garlic hummus packs a particularly powerful punch. In this case, you’ll want a light, zippy white wine like Pinot Grigio to contrast the bold flavor of the garlic.
Lemon
Lemon is another ingredient found in traditional hummus, but if the citrus flavor is turned up a notch, go with a light unoaked Chardonnay or Chablis.
Sun Dried Tomato
The savory tart flavor of sun dried tomatoes pairs well with a light, acidic red wine like Barbera d’Asti, with flavors of black cherry and dried herbs.
White Bean
Beans give hummus an added creaminess, so white bean hummus pairs well with a highly acidic white wine. Try it with a light, slightly savory Spanish Verdejo with notes of lime, white peach, and fennel.
Roasted Red Pepper
Rich and slightly smoky roasted red pepper hummus pairs well with a light, earthy red wine like Pinot Noir.
Beet Hummus
Beet hummus busted onto the scene with its bold, brilliant color and earthy, subtly sweet flavor. It pairs well with a dry rosé or an aromatic white wine like Viognier.
Green Hummus
Creamy avocado hummus pairs well with a medium-bodied white like Chenin blanc. If the green in your hummus comes from “power greens” – spinach, kale, etc. – go with a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
In Vino Finito
Whether you like it store-bought or homemade, hummus tastes great alongside a glass of wine. Which pairing are you eager to try?
