Feb 01, 2013
Super Bowl Sunday means one thing - a day of sticky snacking and finger licking.
You need something to wash it all down with, something thirst quenching.
Beer is usually a given when it comes to armchair athletes, but I know you love your wine - that's why you're here, reading this now.
So, I've put together some suggestions for you. Now you can focus on getting the food and snacks ready, I've done the wine pairings for you.
Game on!
Pizza
Wine Pairing: Red, not too brawny, but with good acidity.
Typically Italian reds pair well. Think Chianti. I think you'll be pretty safe with a Primitivo from Apulglia or a Nero d'Avola from Sicily as well. Try the Castello di Gabbiano Chianti DOCG or the Farnese Primitivo, both from Italy.
Ribs
Sticky and sweet, real finger food. You're looking for a red with equal sweetness (of fruit) and spice. My go-to for any spicy yet hearty casual "junk food" is Zinfandel, but a good Aussie Shiraz will do very nicely. Mollydooker 'The Boxer' or Lindeman's Bin 50 Shiraz, both from Australia.
Chicken Wings
Again, sweet and spicy. Here you have tender white meat and a spicy sauce. Bubbly - not too dry. A bit of sweetness will offset the spice and the bubbles clean your palate. Red - a Zinfandel. Rose, off dry will be nice...
Try Yellow Tail Bubbles Rose from Australian or 'Bottega Vino dei Poeti' Rose from Italy.
Burgers
A red with some guts - good fruit and some tannin. Once again Zinfandel won't miss in most Game Day situations. A not-too-serious Malbec is another option. Try the Apothic Red, a Zinfandel blend.
Quesadillas or Nachos
An off-dry sparkling, an off-dry rose or if you prefer red - Zinfandel. You need something to deal with the spiciness of the salsa and jalapenos a wine that can also cut through the fat of the sour cream, cheese and guacamole.
Try Cupcake Prosecco
Corn Dogs
Buttery Chardonnay. Corn (corn chowder, cornbread, corn-on-the-cob)and buttery Chardonnays are a perfect match.Try the Flip Flop Chardonnay from California.
Popcorn
Buttery popcorn loves buttery Chardonnay. But a dry sparkling is also perfect.
Try Codorniu Classico Brut Cava from Spain or Alamos Chardonnay from Argentina.
Chips
Salty and savoury - nothing works better with those two characteristics than sparkling wine. Try the Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Cava from Spain.
Spring Rolls
Deep fried parcels filled with cabbage, scallions and sprouts (veggie) often with pork (non-veggie), rice wine and soy sauce then dipped in sweet (often spicy, too) plum sauce. An off-dry Riesling or Gewurztraminer is wonderful. Watch the alcohol on the Gewurztraminers. If the sauce is extra spicy, high-alcohol wines will set fire to your mouth.
Try Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling from Washington State or Cono Sur Bicicleta Gewurztraminer from Chile.
See WineScores' entire list of GAME DAY wines here
|