If you've ever gone into M&S for milk and somehow left with £40 worth of picky bits, you're in good company. And with the retailer's self-proclaimed National Picky Bits Day taking place this Saturday 27 June, I’ve decided to lean into it.
The only question was what to drink alongside them. From salty Spanish pinchos to viral harissa whipped feta, I matched some of M&S's most popular picky bits with the wines I'd actually want to pour alongside them.
Lock up the three for £8 aisle – I’m coming for you!
Salchichón and Rosemary Cheese Rollitos
Best paired with: M&S Italian Rosato, £6.50
The savoury salami and creamy rosemary-infused cheese need a wine that balances the richness without overwhelming the flavours. A chilled Italian rosato brings bright berry notes and refreshing acidity, making it an easy match for this Spanish-inspired bite.
I like this Italian Rosato because it tastes like summer. Better still, it's available in everything from a newly launched 25cl bottle (it's just £3.25!) to a 1.5L wine pouch – so there's a size for every occasion.
Also try: Rioja rosado
M&S Spanish Pinchos
Best paired with: M&S Chez Michel Picpoul de Pinet, £9.50
The salty Serrano ham, creamy Ibérico cheese and briny olive are made for a crisp, citrus-led white. Picpoul de Pinet has bright acidity and a mineral finish that refreshes the palate after every bite, just like a squeeze of lemon. This bottle is ideal, and under a tenner!
Also try: Albariño
M&S Spanish Serrano Ham & Cheese Croquettes
Best paired with: M&S English Amphora Orange Wine, £15
It’s English Wine Week! What better way to celebrate than with this rather exciting skin-contact. The wine's gentle tannins and savoury, textured character stand up to the crisp breadcrumb coating and creamy cheese filling, while its citrus notes stop the pairing feeling too rich.
Also try: Chablis
M&S Spanish Style Chorizo al Vino Tinto
Best paired with: M&S Found Balearic Island Red Wine, £12
Rioja is an obvious choice here, but this lighter-style Balearic red offers something a little different. Serve it lightly chilled and its juicy red fruit and subtle spice complement the smoky chorizo without overpowering it. Like being in Ibiza, but better.
Also try: Rioja Crianza
M&S Harissa Whipped Feta
Best paired with: M&S Trouble Cloudy Rosé, £12.50
If you manage to get your hands on this bottle, congratulations. It's gone so viral that it's often out of stock. The rosé's fresh berry fruit and crisp acidity balance the creamy feta, while its textured finish stands up to the warming spice of the harissa.
Also try: English Lily – M&S's new floral, unoaked English white. Crisp and refreshing, it'll slice through the creamy feta while cooling the gentle warmth of the harissa.
Stacey looks after all food and drink reviews — from coffee pods and veg boxes, to natural wine and tequila. Stacey is also founder of Crummbs, where she’s written nearly 2,000 restaurant and hotel reviews since 2013. Prior to this, Stacey wrote hundreds of in-depth buying guides for the Independent, i newspaper and BBC Good Food, as well as reviewing restaurants and interviewing celebrities in her column at Balance Magazine. Stacey has also appeared in BAFTA-nominated BBC documentary Blood, Sweat & Takeaways, where she investigated South East Asia's food production industry, appearing on both Newsnight and BBC World Service to share her findings. Regularly checking out the latest restaurants, bars and product launches, Stacey also loves experimenting with recipes at home, and is a WSET-certified wine and spirits expert, with over 10 years of experience in the business. You can follow Stacey on Instagram @crummbs_uk
