Super Bowl LIII Wine Pairings

Super Bowl LIII Wine Pairings

This Super Bowl Sunday, consider pairing traditional game day fare with wine instead of beer. A 2018 Gallup poll found a third of Americans who drink alcoholic beverages prefer wine – with women choosing wine about half the time. So, chances are that many of your guests would enjoy a glass of wine as they watch the Rams battle it out with the Patriots. Consider these popular game day snacks with the wines below to create winning pairings.

Potato Chips: No party is complete without an assortment of chips and dips to kick things off. Sparkling wine is a great pairing for potato chips because its crisp acidity works well with the salty nature of the chips and the bubbles act as a palate cleanser. Try sparkling wines like Spanish Cava, Sparkling Cremant from France or a value priced domestic sparkler.

Buffalo Wings: Spicy wings and football go hand in hand but pairing wine with them is not so simple. The fiery nature of wings requires a wine that is fruity with a touch of sweetness and the saltiness begs for wines with adequate acidity. Top pairings for Buffalo wings are off dry (slightly sweet) versions of Riesling and Chenin Blanc–think Vouvray. These wines have the perfect balance of fruit, acidity and sweetness to stand up to wings.

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Footballs are great for dessert

Chili: A hearty main dish is a must for the big game and in our house, that’s chili. To match the weight of chili, think bolder reds but the spices require wines with ample fruit. My favorite pairing is Beaujolais, Zinfandel or Shiraz.

Whether you are cheering for the Rams or the Patriots, these pairings will be a hit with all the fans at your party. So are you ready for some football and WINE?

Here are some suggestions for your Super Bowl LIII lineup. Each retails for under $15:

JCB No. 21 Cremant de Bourgogne Brut (Burgundy, France) $25
This sparkler is made by the same process as Champagne, but a bit further south in Burgundy. A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, this bubbly is a great value with aromas of apple, white flowers and almond along with a crisp finish.

Dr. Loosen & Chateau Ste. Michelle Eroica Riesling  (Columbia Valley, Washington) $20
This is a joint venture between Chateau Ste Michelle and Dr Loosen, one of the most renowned winemakers in Germany. The perfect white to have on hand because it can pair with a wide range of foods, including Buffalo wings, hot dogs and shrimp cocktail. The secret to its food friendly abilities is its perfect balance of fruit and acidity with flavors of grapefruit, lime and a touch of minerality.

Seghesio Zinfandel (Sonoma, California) $22
If there is one all-American wine to have for the game, it is Zinfandel. This is red without pretense but full of jammy fruit flavors with a touch of cinnamon and anise. Bold in flavor and full bodied, this Zinfandel is a great pairing for chili as well as burgers, ribs, hot dogs and grilled chicken.