There is a long held myth that football is beer’s sport. And while we love a good craft beer as much as the next guy or gal, wine is where it’s at for us. Whether you root for rosés or shout for syrahs, knowing which wine to serve with your favorite tailgating food is key.
Check out this helpful guide for pairing some of our favorite Splash wines with classic fan foods:
A little more detail: HERE
(You can add any of these wines to any “Build your own Case” on our site.)
Sparkling: Finca la Pintada Cava Brut
Finca is my favorite sparkling, no joke. For me, it totally stands up to the expensive French Champagnes with its tiny bubbles that seem to last forever (thanks to the fact that it is made in the Champagne-style, instead of injecting carbon dioxide, like a lot of other sparklings). The flavor is drier with fresh yeasty and toasty notes. Finca is probably my favorite football wine. It counters fatty and spicy foods with ease and is a major crowd pleaser.
Rosé: Nanihue Rosé
Nanihue is an extremely versatile rosé. It’s not too light, so it holds up to spicier/heavier foods well. But not so strong that it is overpowering or sweet, like some rosés. With notes of cherry, citrus, spice on a base of light red fruit, Nanihue is perfect with the messiest and heartiest dishes (think ribs and chili).
Pinot Grigio: Magnifico Veneto Pinot Grigio
When we make nachos, we go with a cheesy sauce and a bit of spice. The mellow, almost peach flavor of the Magnifico Pinot Grigio pairs well with the creamy/spicy cheese sauce. When it comes to creamy sauces, Pinot Grigio is an excellent match.
Sauvignon Blanc: Volcanes Reserva Sauvignon Blanc
Volcanes Sauv Blanc grapes are grown on land forged by volcanoes in Chile. This wine has a deliciously light acidity that cuts through the grease of fried foods (I’m looking at you fried chicken and cheesy nachos). It also has notes of lime, grapefruit and lemon peel that pop and delight the nose and mouth.
Chardonnay: Bachelorette Chardonnay
Real talk: I love trashy reality TV. I have never been into any of the Bachelor or its spin-off shows, but I am into this Chardonnay. Real talk 2: I really dislike buttery Chardonnays. This Chardonnay, even though it is from California (home of the buttery Chard), is more like my favorite Chardonnays from South Africa- lacking the buttery oak flavor and instead replacing it with a refreshing crispness that comes from using stainless steel aging barrels instead of oak. Notes of golden delicious apples, pineapple, stone fruits and hints of spice make this Chardonnay excellent for pairing with fried chicken or chili.
Merlot: New World Cabernet-Merlot
This Cab-Merlot is special. It comes from one of our favorite wine makers- South Africa’s Alex Dale. This wine, unlike its California counterparts, is not fruit forward or in your face. The pomegranate and cherry notes balance with a uniquely South African earthiness. If you and your football friends like red wine, this is an excellent , food-friendly pick for your next game day.
Malbec: Baron du Tertre Malbec
Often overshadowed by its more famous big brother (the Bordeaux Region), the Cahors Region was named Wine Enthusiast’s Region of the year in 2017 for good reason. Producing slightly lesser known yet equally amazing wines, like this Malbec is one of those reasons. This Malbec is full-bodied and dare I say vivacious. Generously fruity, with well-composed tannins and exceptional balance, Baron du Tertre pairs well with any hearty football fair.
Cabernet Sauvigon: Inti Cabernet
If you like Cabs, this Chilean will be your jam. A nose of ripe red fruit has undertones of spices like black pepper and vanilla. This Cab is full-bodied yet elegant, with silky tannins. Red berries lead on the palate with a subtle underlying flavor of cocoa and a finish of coffee. Grab a burger and dig in with a glass of Inti.
Syrah: Chateau Agnel Minervois
Keeping it brief: this yummy Syrah has the power of a Syrah with the refined balance of a Grenache. If you love a bold red, this Chateau will knock your socks off.
Cheers!