The Super Bowl and our wines
Super Bowl XLIV is Sunday and we’re wondering if there a wine that best matches the team profiles for the New Orleans Saints or the Indianapolis Colts or for that matter is there a wine most suitable for a halftime with The Who. One of the best people to ask is Stacy Slinkard. Stacy is a certified Sommelier and holds a master’s in public health, and a bachelor’s in science. We should note that she has never played in the NFL or has no known NFL credentials aside from pure fan love. She does, however, seem to know a great deal about chips, veggie trays, pizza, chili and buffalo wings.
Wine for the Chips
Believe it or not, but fancy, formal Champagne is amazing with salty, greasy potato chips! Talk about versatility. It’s hard to beat a crisp Chardonnay or a sparkling Cava for chips and salsa or try a bold, Australian Shiraz with a plate full of nachos or buffalo wings. A light sparkling wine will also handle cheesy nachos well, especially if there is a bit of spice to them.
Wine for the Veggie Tray
For those opting for the healthy veggie plate and creamy ranch dips, a fruity Merlot or a citrus and herb-based Sauvignon Blanc should fit the bill.
Wine for the Pizza
If pizza is on your plate, a minerally Pinot Grigio or a bold California Zinfandel will make you wonder why in the world you’ve limited its intake partner to beer!
Wine with Chili (and chili dogs)
If you’ve got a cup full of chili, then grab a glass of Merlot or Chianti to handle the mix of cheese, meat and tomatoes.
Wine with Buffalo Wings
Buffalo wings, typically accompanied by creamy blue cheese dressing, are a Super Bowl staple, but what wine can handle the grease and spice of this particular tradition? Consider a Spanish Cava, an American Zinfandel or a Riesling to offset some of the spice.
Wine for the Appetizer Table
A tried and true Riesling will stand up to a majority of appetizer options. Likewise, a light Pinot Noir tends to complement a white chicken chili or other poultry dish particularly well.
Wine for brownies
For your basic chocolate brownie, you might want to give a Port or a Pedro Ximénez Sherry a try otherwise, consider a Merlot or Pinot Noir.
Wine for The Who
Okay, this was a tougher recommendation and Stacy had no direction to offer us so we’re going to keep it simple. Our best advice for halftime this year is pretty much anything that you can rock out with.
