Super Bowl Sunday is almost upon us. To be honest… I am just here for the game-day snacks, the commercials and the half-time show (I see you JLo!). Can anyone relate?
However, I will be cheering extra loud for our boys playing out of Texas. This year we have something extra special to cheer for, as Patrick Mahomes is the first quarterback from a Texas college to start in a Super Bowl. Go Texas! But I digress… on to the important things- the snacks! I have put together the best wine pairings for common Super Bowl eats.
Buttery Popcorn Pairing with an Oaked Chardonnay or Viognier
A creamy, buttery Chardonnay with rich aromas of lemon, apple, and tropical fruits with the creamy flavors of vanilla from the oak can stand up to the buttery flavors of popcorn. Want something different? Try a Viognier, also a full-boded white wine with common flavors of peach, tangerine and honeysuckle. For the creamy taste, look for one that has been aged in oak.
My favorite Texas Oaked Chardonnay is from Fall Creek Vineyards will aromas of grilled pineapple and smoky popcorn (hello!) and tastes of Meyer lemon and hints of cream.
Fall Creek Vineyards Chardonnay Certenberg Vineyards Terroir Reflection Texas Hill Country 2017
Chicken Wings Pairing with Riesling
Are you looking for something that can stand up to the spiciness of buffalo chicken wings? Enter Riesling, a refreshingly semi-sweet wine, often with honey and peach aromas.
Check out Hye Meadow Winery’s Riesling with a moderately acidic wine with aromas of honeysuckle and lillies and a nose of nectarines and pears.
Hye Meadow Winery 2017 Riesling
Queso Pairing with Sangiovese
Ah… melted cheese. The King of Super Bowl parties.. and let’s face it- every great get-together. A high-acidity, earthy, Sangiovese with flavors of roasted tomato and oregano pairs nicely with the spiciness and the soft Mexican cheeses that make up a great bowl of Queso.
My new favorite Sangiovese is Hawk’s Shadow Winery’s 2015 Vino Del Cuore, 100% Sangiovese. With a nose of dried herbs and cherry preserves, balanced tannins, and an earthy finish. Vino del Cuore means “wine from the heart” and it is truly the wine to my heart.
Pepperoni Pizza Pairing with Cabernet Franc
A strong wine is needed to stand up to the fattiness and spice flavor of the pepperoni. The high acidity and flavors of bell pepper that makes up a great Cab Franc make it a great pairing with tomato-based sauces and pepperoni.
Check out this 2017 Cabernet Franc Reserve from Becker Vineyards
Wine and pizza. Pizza and the Super Bowl. Batman and Robin. Sunny and Cher. Somethings are just meant to be. We also love these pizza pairings:
Margherita Pizza and Pinot Grigio: Duchman Family Vineyards Sangiovese
Hawaiian Pizza and Sauvignon Blanc: Calais Winery’s Sauvignon Blanc
Meatlovers Pizza and Cabernet Sauvignon:
Calais Winery’s 2016 Cuvée de l’Exposition
BBQ Pairing with Sparkling Wine
Move over beer… sparkling wine is here. A tasty alternative to the typical beer and BBQ combo, sparkling wine is crisp and refreshing. A dry, refreshing Cava with bready and toasty notes is the perfect replacement for a cold beer that is so frequently served with BBQ, due to its similar taste profile. Not a fan of sparkling wine, try a Sauvignon Blanc for a similar effect!
Currently loving William Chris Vineyards’s 2014 Méthode Champenoise Sparkling Blanc du Bois
What are you serving for Super Bowl Sunday?
