Whether you love football or not, many of us plan to attend a Super Bowl watch party on Sunday, February 7. It’s become a huge event, combining the game with hilarious commercials, an epic halftime time show and, of course, a plethora of food. Since the Big Game will be held at the new Levi’s® Stadium in the Bay Area (Santa Clara, California, to be exact) why not embrace the region’s wine notoriety and class up your snacks with pairings suggested by Sonoma County Vintner members?
Let’s start small with a couple football-watching classics: chips and popcorn. Dutton Goldfield’s 2013 Calling Dutton Ranch Chardonnay ($32) helps balance the saltiness of potato chips with a crisp acidity and buttery, citrus flavors, while the citrus, toast and apple flavors overlaid with persistent effervescence, a creamy mid-palate and a toasty finish of Gloria Ferrer Winery’s Sonoma Brut ($22) brings out the best in salty, savory chips. Pair the richness of freshly popped buttered popcorn with the nuttiness of SIMI Winery’s 2014 Chardonnay ($18).
If you’ll be firing up the barbecue for your game-day soirée have a bottle of 2012 Mountain Cuvée ($20), a robust and crisp red blend from Gundlach Bundschu Winery, at the ready. Spicy chicken wings pair wonderfully with the crisp, well-balanced and acidic 2014 Charlotte’s Home Sauvignon Blanc ($17) from Rodney Strong Vineyard as do the delicate flavors of apricot, pear and a hint of crisp minerals in Francis Ford Coppola Winery’s Sofia Blanc de Blancs Mini ($20 for a four-pack). Have a traditional wing recipe with a California Mexican twist? Complement it with Three Stick Wines’ rich and refreshing 2013 Durell Vineyard Origin Chardonnay ($48).
Duckhorn Wine Company has two excellent party snack pairing options. Open the vibrancy of a tangy chicken strip dipping sauce with the ripe stone fruit, lemon and mineral flavors of the 2010 Migration Chardonnay ($30). Or balance the juicy blackberry and dark plum layers of the 2013 Decoy Zinfandel ($25) with a delicious plate of brisket nachos.
Grilled foods — think brats, burgers and baby-back ribs — go well with Quivira Vineyards’ 2012 Zinfandel ($22), and juicy burgers are an especially good match with the balanced flavors of cherry, plum, black pepper and cedar in the full-bodied 2013 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($26) from SIMI. The hearty and fruity 2013 Lolita Ranch Zinfandel ($60) from Martinelli Winery has the spiciness to stand up to a meaty chili with a kick, while the 2013 Katherine Cabernet Sauvignon ($21) from Goldschmidt Vineyards offers luscious layers of classic Alexander Valley Cab fruit along with a supple, integrated structure and is the perfect pairing with a delicious chili dog.
Need help planning out your menu? Check out my Pinterest board of Super Bowl Snacks for some delicious inspiration.
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{Lead Image Credit: Sonoma County Tourism}
