Even if you’re not an Eagles or Patriots fan, or just an NFL geek like my whole family, there’s a lot to love about Super Bowl Sunday: the commercials, the halftime show, and of course the food. This year like every year I will be pairing our gridiron grub with wine, and thought I’d share my winning match-ups with you. So here goes:
Pizza & Charcuterie – We’ll make our own pizza on a hot stone, but whether you’ll be tossing your own pie or getting take-out, I’ve got the wine match: Spanish Rioja Reserva made in the traditional style with long aging in oak casks. Faustino, Lopez de Heredia Vina Bosconia or Marques de Caceres would all be great choices. Look for a tang of acidity in the wine to complement the tomato sauce and cut through the fatty richness of meat and cheese toppings, and herbal notes from the American oak casks to highlight the flavors of basil and oregano. The wine would also be a fabulous complement to a charcuterie plate of Spanish jamon or Italian prosciutto. If you haven’t seen it, check my out Faustino video here.
Nachos – You need acidity and refreshment to cut through the fattiness and saltiness of cheese and chips, and herbal notes to harmonize with the cilantro, guacamole and salsa flavors. So, you need Sauvignon Blanc, and for me it’s a coin toss between New Zealand or California versions, because either has plenty of vibrant fruit to stand up to the kicked-up nachos. These days I am loving Matua and Brancott from Marlborough, and Twomey and Roth from California.
Chilled shrimp & wings – It’s not your typical football suds selection, but in my opinion Prosecco has the same scrubbing bubbles as a beer, and a fruity taste profile better suited to the sweetness of the shrimp, and the heat of the wings. You can’t beat LaMarca (from the E&J Gallo family) or Mionetto for availability, and quality for the price.
Put these pairings through their Super Bowl paces, and I promise that no matter which team wins, your palate will score big. Enjoy, and let me know what you think!