When we begin planning our annual Super Bowl Party wine is not always the first thing that comes to mind however trends are showing that wine sales prior to the big game have been growing consistently. While beer sales are showing a slight decrease despite the heavy marketing campaigns by big beer corporations – but that’s a different story. Let’s all think about it, who watches the Super Bowl? Basically everybody, young, old, women, men, off all classes and backgrounds. With the mix of people, the diversity of snacks and beverages has been growing. My suggestion: if hosting, add a bottle of wine or two to the party, and if wine is your drink, then definitely bring it along to share. Most likely you’ll find someone to share it with.
So, sit back, relax – if you can- sip and enjoy your wine with a classic snack while watching the game with your family and friends. Want to bring something other than chips and salsa? Check out my pairing ideas for super bowl food and wine. Friends will love you brought something so refreshing and tasty! Plus, the bonus knowledge of wine and food pairings is also cool ha-ha.
Mac and Cheese and Chardonnay
Creamy, cheesy, rich, and satisfying. A cool crisp Chardonnay can cut through richness of the dish and create a pleasant pairing. Try La Crema – one of my first fav Chardonnays, they do this one well without heavy oak or overpowering butteriness, unless of course you like that. If you can find a lighter bodies white it can easily pair with other snacks at the party.
Chicken or Spicy Shrimp Kabobs and Rose
Lots of households will have the BBQ up and burning this Sunday. Bring something easy to throw on and share. I love kabobs for this reason and if you go with either chicken or shrimp in your favorite marinade pair it with your favorite Rose wine, dry or off dry to semi sweet would work here. Hint: if drinking a drier style Rose, make the marinade with fresh herbs, citrus, or tangy BBQ, (rosemary, lemon, garlic, and olive oil would be great). If you prefer a sweeter style try a slightly spicier version on the kabobs, spicy curry, Thai chili, or simply add some cayenne. Yum!
Hot Wings and Sangria
While I always recommend you make your own homemade Sangria, a store bought one will work perfectly fine. The extra sweetness from fruit or added sweeteners will greatly balance any heat from the hot sauce. This is a must have for any party. Make a big batch, decorate with fruit, add a bit soda water and you’ll be surprised how many people will be drinking all through out the entire party and added bonus if you can lower the alcohol on it a bit to make it easy drinking.
Potato Chip and Sparkling Wine
What?? Yup! Are you in a rush and looking something, you can just pick up in the store? This is the winner! Pick up your favorite potato chip – mine are these made in avocado oil and then stop by the chilled wine section and pick up the bubbly. Any of these works, for the party is easy to stick with your favs or try this one. Don’t forget the dip! Have several people try this paring? I know it sounds a bit different but trust me it works!
Pizza and Sangiovese
Are you having a pizza kind of party? Pizza is always an easy party and crowd pleaser. Step up your game and the pizza by bringing an Italian Sangiovese, try Chianti. Bonus points if you can find a Sangiovese from California, they exist but not as popular yet. Try Little Oaks 2016 Sangiovese my personal fav lol.
Meatballs and Grenache
Meatballs are easy, fast, and easy to make for a crowd. Use whatever recipes you prefer since all should really go with an easy drinking grenache. Yes, that means make with whatever ground meat you choose. I always like a mix of beef and pork myself and then seasoning of choice. Would be great either tomato-based sauce or BBQ blend. Mix and match and let me know your favorite!
For the an American Grenache I like this one.
Beef Sliders and Syrah
Alright you meat fans out there this one is for you! Nothing wrong about this one right here. Beef sliders and a hefty juicy Syrah – try this one from Little Oaks or for something else or go fancy and try something from France like. Everybody is going to want some of your sliders and wine they will be irresistible. Don’t forget your favorite toppings, grilled onions and swiss cheese please!
Chili and Tempranillo
Super bowl isn’t super bowl without a crock pot full of chili on the menu. Especially for all you cold climate folks out there! For a wine, I definitely suggest going with a red here and while Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon would be good, I suggest go out on a limb and serve a Tempranillo. One out of Spain will work or from Cali too. The spiciness of the wine should hold up nicely to the spices in the chili while tannins in the wine give it good structure for the chili as well. Can’t go wrong!
These are just a few suggestions I have come up with but if have something else in mind and need help pairing let me know in the comments below. Thanks, and have a fun and safe Super Bowl Party!