If you’re getting ready for the big game and are dreading an evening of beer, beer, and more beer, despair not! We have options. [level-members]
Here are a handful of wines to consider for pairing with the typical tailgaiting foods. We’re not saying they’re better than beer – it’s tough to beat beer if hot wings are the food of choice – but these still solid choices for the non-beer drinkers.
Chicken Wings
Let’s start with the king of football party finger foods. Shiraz or something similarly spicy can be an excellent choice, and it works well with many other spiced foods that might be on the buffet …
Burgers
A big California cab or a Bordeaux work well here. Just watch the toppings you’re offering.
Shrimp Cocktail
Getting fancy, are we? Break out the whites, though not a big, oaky Chardonnay. Sauvignon Blanc is a better bet. As with the Shiraz, this will work with other foods, too, like a crudite platter.
Cheese Platter
If you’ve got a platter of cheese and cured meats to match, a mid-weight red will do the trick. They’ll work for pigs in blankets, too.
Chili
As devoted chili aficionados I can tell you from personal experience that you should just knuckle under and have the beer. We still haven’t found a wine pairing that works with spicy chili, and we’re not over-the-top heat mongers – just nicely, flavorfully spicey. Same is true for nachos.
If you’ve got a pairing we haven’t thought of – or disagree with our general ideas – let us know!
And enjoy the big game. [level-members]