Tips for Super Bowl Food & Wine Pairing

We’ve long understood that the best thing about the Super Bowl is having an excuse to pair all of the great snack food with killer wine. Yes, there might be a few brilliant commercials to watch, and yes there are world-class athletes to admire and hopefully the right amount of tension and thrill in the game itself. But would it all be as fun if you didn’t have a trusty beverage and tasty snack by your side? Before you answer, check out our round up of top-notch big game pairings. Leave a comment and let us know what you’re planning to eat and drink on super Sunday.

Nachos
Kick off the festivities with some nachos and a bottle of bubbly. Sparkling wine pairs well with just about anything, including whatever simple to elaborate combinations of flavors you choose to load up on your tortilla chips. Breaking out the bubbles first will also help keep your palate fresh and ready for wherever the game takes your hunger and thirst. Keep it simple with a pack of Vinny Bubbly canned wine, or create an instant celebration with a bottle of grower Champagne— our team is partial to Bereche Brut Reserve.

Spinach & Artichoke Dip
This snacky staple takes on many different forms but generally we’re thinking about finding a wine that goes well with veggies and loads of melted cheese. Your favorite Gruner Veltliner or Sancerre would be the right call. The slightly herbal, zesty green apple and pear flavors will pair perfectly with your whipped up dip. Try this simple and proven recipe with a thirst-quenching bottle of Laporte Sancerre.

Pizza
Whether you're cranking up the oven and tossing some pies yourself or ordering from your favorite pizza joint for the big game, snagging a bottle of Italian wine is always a good idea. For these purposes, we're partial to Barbera or Sangiovese. The fresh red fruit, lower tannin and acid of the Barbera will pair with a wide variety of toppings. If you're keeping it classic with a Margherita pie, tomatoes and Sangiovese are a match made in heaven.

7 Layer Dip
Our New York team member Marissa Cinelli insists that "It’s not a Super Bowl party without a seven layer dip!" This might seem the impossible wine pairing, but fear not. Marissa assures us that a Sauvignon Blanc or a bright Chardonnay will do the trick. Something crisp, with a slight mineral touch and high acid will help balance the creaminess and cut through the fat in the dip. Snag a bottle, take a stab at this recipe -- a favorite of Marissa's -- and dig into a seriously delicious pairing.

Guacamole
We gravitate toward simple guac recipes that call for a little bit of chopped onion, cilantro and lime -- and then reach for a crisp Gruner Veltliner or a Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley. Try one of our go-to Chenins, ‘Clos de Midi’ from Arnaud Lambert. It's full of citrus and stone fruit and the lively acidity will provide a nice balance to any guacamole recipe in your repertoire.

Hummus & Veggies
Opting for a lighter snack this football season? Try a medium-bodied rosé with a traditional-style hummus. The fresh fruit and roundness will pair well with the creaminess of the hummus. Chuggable rosé on game day is a no brainer.

Crab Cakes
"Crab cakes and football. That's what Maryland does!" You can’t go wrong with a brighter style of White Burgundy, or a Chablis. Something that won’t overpower the delicate flavors of the crab. Dustin Wilson, MS, a Maryland native loves a good crab cake and vouches for this recipe. “For some of the best crab cakes to make at home look no further. This is a crowd pleaser! Even better when paired with a great bottle of Anne Boisson Meursault ‘Sous La Velle.’”

Buffalo Wings
This quintessential game-day food screams for a Riesling, Albariño or anything sparkling. A wine that is higher acid will cut through the salt, and if you’re opting for a fried version, will also balance out the fat. Depending on your desired level of heat, an off-dry riesling could be the perfect pairing for your game-ready wings.

Pro tip: "Short of a trip to Bar Bill Tavern, this is the best way to make chicken wings at home." Verve Wine COO Matt Sabato -- a native of the Buffalo, NY area, knows a thing or two about wings, and swears by this method.

Sliders
Taking your tailgating game inside for the Super Bowl doesn't mean you can't take on some of the same dishes. Sliders are terrific snacks and a near game day essential. Here's your chance to go bold with savory Syrah. Grab a bottle of our Verve Wine exclusive Sous-Marine ‘La Lotte de Mer’ Syrah -- new world Syrah from Santa Barbara with an old world flair. It’s juicy, peppery and delicious -- and an absolute steal under $30.

BBQ Pulled Pork

We dig BBQ pulled pork with fresh and clean Cab Franc. Juicy, a bit spicy, these bottles from the Loire Valley will be perfect for sweeter-style meats!