Whether you’re deep into Super Bowl weekend merriment or gearing up for March Madness, it’s time to make game day appetizers complemented by wines that make each bite even better. Years ago, during football and basketball seasons, I made an abundance of nachos, spicy trail mixes and sausage and spinach balls (so good!) for sharing with friends, while tapping the beer keg for hours while watching sports on the telly. Now, I’m always looking for satisfying bites that are delicious with my favorite wines, many of which are below (sent as samples). Following are a few appetizers and wines for pairing that always satisfy. Let me know what you think!
Chill then pop the cork from Zonin Prosecco Rosé DOC (around $15) to sip with crunchy, salty potato chips, an easy and delicious treat. A blend of Glera and Pinot Noir grapes, aromas of wisteria, citrus and red berries on the nose and palate are delightful in this well priced, elegant bubbly that sports a new label design. (Of course, bonus points are given if you’ve splurged for caviar to spoon on top of each chip!)
A bowl of buttery popcorn is a standard game day snack in my house. And the pairing? How about Pedroncelli F. Johnson Vineyard Chardonnay 2022 ($38) from Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma County? This wine has just the right amount of oak to bring out the best in that popcorn, as well as aromas and flavors of brioche, warm pears, lush peaches, and hint of hazelnuts. Purchase enough bottles to share, but save a few for yourself. It’s just that delicious.
The gold standard appetizer at all game day celebrations is a well-crafted cheese and charcuterie platter. Of course, with so many flavors at the ready, choosing from a plethora of wines can be tough. One of my latest finds is J. Lohr Pinot Blanc 2022 ($38), with floral, citrus and stone fruit aromas. On the palate, a creamy texture, delicate oak notes and ripe lemon and melon flavors becomes a lovely companion to many of the cheeses guests love.
Bring out your favorite tacos because a glass of rosé is always the best choice for pairing. One luscious example is Pasqua 11 Minutes Rosé 2022 ($22). Of predominantly Corvina, floral aromas burst from the glass. Trebbiano, Syrah and Carmenere offer elegance, fruit, spice and structure. From short rib tacos to fish tacos to vege tacos, this is the rosé to pour.
A go-to game day appetizer I make isn’t technically a munchie but rather a relatively hearty slider of turkey, brie and fresh spinach warmed in the oven until the brie is melted. Add a touch of raspberry jam for guests to spoon on the side and pour a glass of Merry Edwards 2021 Meredith Estate Pinot Noir ($90). Just wow! Intense aromas of baking spice, blackberries and stone fruit lead to sweet black cherries, lavender, vanilla and integrated oak with each sip. What’s not to love?
Are there any bacon lovers out there? Serve up anything with bacon to complement sips of Chateau Maris La Touge 2019 ($26) of 60% Syrah, 35% Grenache and 5% Carignan from the south of France. Full bodied with bright acidity and ripe tannins, there is plenty of lush black fruit and a long finish after each sip. Consider making bacon-tomato crostini, a flavorful appetizer of olive oil, chopped cooked bacon and chopped cherry tomatoes spooned on top of a toasted baguette slice. Cheers to that!
Cheers! ~ Cindy
To continue the exploration of wine, check out my online wine education course, Discover the Essentials of Wine (and choose it like a pro!) available on Teachable.
Click HERE for information and to enroll.
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