Super Bowl…Wine!

This Sunday, as most everyone in the U.S. knows, the Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos will be meeting in San Francisco at the Super Bowl. This matchup, like every Super Bowl matchup before it, asks the crucial question: What should you drink before and during the game? Beer has traditionally been the fan favorite, but what about a glass of wine for a change?

When I think of the Super Bowl I immediately think of the foods typically served on this day, wings, nachos, pizza, chips and dip, guacamole, pigs in a blanket. These snacks are a full range of flavors from salty to spicy and meaty to cheesy, creamy goodness. They are the comfort foods we all have a hard time saying no to on game day! Beer is the natural match for all these foods, but since the Super Bowl is only once a year, why not honor the day with a great assortment of wine to compliment them.

Here are five styles of wine that work well with an assortment of game day foods. Pick one from each category—and may the best wine win!

Sparkling Wine: Champagne, Prosecco, Cava, Moscato d’Asti
White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Grüner Veltliner, off-dry Riesling, Cotes du Rhone Blanc
Rosé: Provençal style rosé
Red Wine: Zinfandel, Barbera, Beaujolais, Pinot Noir, Grenache/Garnacha (something a bit more fruity and not too tannic)
Aperitif: Fino (dry) sherry or Madeira