So you don’t want to drink beer on Super Bowl Sunday? You don’t even like the “silly” Super Bowl 2013 and prefer to endure the party in your host’s kitchen with a glass of vino in hand? Hmmm- you’re bailing on the game completely and staying at home watching reruns of Millionaire Bachelor? I have some wine suggestions for you which may fit your personality and perhaps your palate…I have reviewed all of these wines in prior articles and more information for each can be found by using the highlighted links~Enjoy!! And by the way, who are you…really???
The Full Throttle Super Bowl Fan – You love everything about the game from the pre-game show with pre-teen dance troupes high kicking around the field to the final yawn…oops, celebratory tears. May I suggest some bubbles to keep you energized, happy, and well, sparkling throughout the loooong game?
**Zonin Prosecco (sent to me as a sample) – From the Glera grape, this Prosecco is creamy, bubbly, fresh, fruity and with a price tag of less than $12.00 and low alcohol, you can cheer for as long as you like!
“I Only Watch the Commercials” Fan – Oh sure, you love the commercials, but can you actually remember what is being advertised?? And this year, most commercials are being run a few days ahead so there may not be too many surprises…except the endings for which viewers are able to vote. You may want to enjoy a wine of a familiar variety but with an unexpected finish. One of my favorites is…
**2010 Stepping Stone by Cornerstone Willamette Valley Pinot Noir (sent to me as a sample) – With a tingle of spice on the nose and aromas of strawberries, raspberries, and a touch of vanilla, the first sip will not disappoint. There is a cheer on my part for the balance of red fruit (more strawberries, raspberries, cherries, and cranberries), acidity, light and smooth tannins, and alcohol. A Pinot Noir with a lingering finish? You may not remember the commercials, but you will remember this wine which can be found for $30.00.
The Halftime Show Fan – Fervently wishing for a wardrobe malfunction or misstep by one of your icons of rock, you wait for the last minute or two of the second quarter to walk to the room and act thrilled about whatever is happening in the game. Everyone knows what you’re up to…except which wine you’re drinking (since they haven’t seen you since arrival…) You should be drinking something exciting and different, yet classic such as…
**Ribera del Cachapoal Carmenere 2010 (sent to me as a sample) – If you have never tried a Carmenere, give this one a try. Consisting of 90% Carmenere and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon I love the deep fruit aromas of blueberries, blackberries, plums and white pepper for a little zing! Very concentrated and balanced with mild tannins, this wine was aged for thirteen months in French and American oak, medium-toast barrels. Enjoy this delicious wine, unique to Chile, at a cost of $15.00. Classic.
“Who Cares? I’m Here for the Food ” Fan – It’s true. You love catered mostaciolli, quesadillas, cole slaw, sandwiches, chips, and cupcakes with a football theme (basically anything unhealthy). You don’t give a chicken wing about the game. You’re talking about work, neighbors, and diapers during the entire show in a room far far away. But you LOVE a good wine which screams “WIN”. You’re drinking some really nice wine (which pairs with anything and those at Wine Spectator love it, too) so you don’t have to tell anyone about it. Shhhhh….try this!
**2009 Cobos Malbec – The deep purple color with aromas of dark plums and deep violets leads to incredibly complex tastes of raspberry, more plums, anise, soft and sweet spice blended beautifully with the smooth and rich tannins. The finish is long and satisfying and the cost? $160.00 (I hope your team wins!!)
“My Team Lost and I’m at Home with Close Family” Fan – Yep, that’s tough. You may be eating shrimp and grits or bratwurst, but you’re enduring the game and secretly hoping that the team which beat yours is the winner since it makes your team (i.e. my Green Bay Packers) look better…sort of. Enjoy whatever you want, but you may enjoy what I will be having!
**2010 Envolve Carneros Chardonnay – Big and bold, the Chardonnay grapes were sourced from a Certified Organic block in Carneros, south of Sonoma. Aromas of pear and fresh apples are a fantastic introduction to the tastes of tropical fruits, touch of vanilla, and butter. I love the lingering, creamy finish and with 14.1% alcohol this wine from California (and yes, I’m cheering for a 49ers win) may help me forget the demise of my own team and cheer another to victory! Cost is $24.99.
“I’m Watching Any Sort of Reality Show Reruns at Home” The Not-So-Much-Super-Bowl-Fan – You aren’t even present at any parties since you’ve made the excuse that you have “other plans”. Nice! Hey, if you want to see the sordid creepiness of reality reruns you need something strong to get you through the lies and cheesy bar tops. Yet you need a wine which is classy yet cost effective, so you can at least spend your wine time wisely!
**2011 La Petite Perriere Sauvignon Blanc – (sent to me as a sample) This wine from the Central Loire is a personal favorite. Its crisp minerality, pear, peach, apricot, and flowers are evident in both aromas and tastes. I love the full body and balance of acidity and fruit and its finish is just long enough! This is a fantastic value for less than $12.00. I hope your show gives you as much satisfaction as this wine!
Cheers to your wine-filled Super Bowl Sunday! ~ Cindy
Jessica Leigh
Cindy Rynning
Ciara Burns