The college football season is over (congratulations to the Georgia Bulldogs on their victory over the Crimson Tide of Alabama last night), and the National Football League playoffs begin this weekend.
Are you ready for some (more) football and wine?
Many may be inclined to crack open a beer at kickoff time, but there’s no reason wine can’t be a part of the NFL playoff viewing experience. So plan a tailgate party in your own backyard (or in the family room if it’s too cold outside) and consider these football-food-and-wine-pairing possibilities:
* Buffalo wings with sparkling wine.
The heat that accompanies traditional buffalo wings requires a wine with a great deal of acidity and freshness. Sparkling wine helps put out the fire for a really nice food-and-wine combination.
* Sausage and pepperoni pizza with Zinfandel.
The seasoning that defines the meat components of this classic pie calls out for a “spicy” wine like Zinfandel. In this case, it’s not a case of “opposites attract,” but rather of complementary flavors.
* Brats with Cabernet Sauvignon.
Grilled brats have “big” flavor, so a big red wine makes a wonderful pairing partner. Both the flavor of the meat and the “char” of the grill meld deliciously with Cabernet Sauvignon.
* Nachos with Sauvignon Blanc.
Tortilla chips, warm cheese sauce and jalapeno peppers are a fan favorite for football games, and all three components pair well with Sauvignon Blanc. Put a cheese-smothered chip in your mouth, wash it down with a sip of Sauvignon Blanc, and prepare to be pleasantly surprised.
Pre-game, in-game and post-game, you now have several food-and-wine-pairing possibilities to carry you from Super Wild Card Weekend all the way through the Super Bowl.
May your favorite team go all the way. Cheers!
