It’s never just about the game. No matter who you’re rooting for on Sunday, there’s no shortage of fan-favorite food specialties from Kansas City and the San Francisco Bay Area to regale your guests. And if you’re like us, sometimes a simple beer just doesn’t cut it. We asked our Wine Team what their go-to wine pairings would be for each of these 12 classic dishes, and their answers may surprise you!
Kansas City Essentials
BBQ Burnt Ends
Wine Pairing: 2022 Tensley Syrah Colson Canyon Vineyard Santa Barbara County
New World Syrah or Shiraz embraces the Umami-charged burnt ends and lifts the experience with its dark fruit and lush complexity, often with a little barbecue spice of its own!
Brisket Sliders
Wine Pairing: 2020 Montalbera Fuori Catalogo Rosso Piemonte
An unexpected pairing with phenomenal results! The brisk, light-styled Montalbera Fuori, a blend of Barbera and Ruchè, wraps around the layers of smoke, pickles, and sweet bread, enhancing the experience with its uplifting, fruity nature and focused acidity.
Classic Burger
Wine Pairing: 2021 Tenuta Luce Lucente Toscana
You can’t beat the simple pleasures, like a perfectly juicy and charred burger with a Tuscan wine. The Tenuta Luce Lucente’s fleshy richness acts like a perfect partner, creating a match made in heaven with the tannin and acidity dancing with the classic burger layers—but don’t forget the sharp cheddar.
Kansas City Style Ribs
Wine Pairing: 2020 Domaine des Senechaux Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Nothing pairs as seamlessly as Rhônes and bones, and the bright, elegant, perfumed Sénéchaux Châteauneuf has just enough cut to temper the richness of the ribs, and enough spiciness to complement the rub you’re using without being overwhelmed by it.
Classic Fried Chicken
Wine Pairing: 2017 M. Brugnon Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne
The crisp acidity of this Champagne cuts like a knife through the richness of the fried chicken, and the toasty flavors in the wine match those of the dish. Ask any wine biz vet: this is a classic pairing.
Russell Stover Chocolates
Wine Pairing: 2018 Antiche Terre Baorna Amarone Della Valpolicella Veneto
If you want an alternative to dessert wine, reach for an Amarone with your dark chocolate. The wine offers similar flavors of cocoa powder and spice, while adding depth with notes of violets and dried cranberries.
Bay Area Favorites
Garlic Fries/Vietnamese Style Garlic Noodles
Wine Pairing: NV Takachiyo 59 Chapter 6 Miyamanishiki Junmai Ginjo Nama Niigata
Garlic can be tricky with wine, that’s why it is great to always have sake on hand. The Takachiyo is full of rich fruit, jasmine, and spice that complements the flavorful dish and also leaves the palate refreshed.
Cioppino and Sourdough Baguettes
Wine Pairing: 2022 Chateau Minuty Rosé Prestige Cotes de Provence
Minuty’s sea-spray salinity and mineral edge melds perfectly with seafood, and the subtle notes of violet and lavender add an elegant floral garnish to the entire experience.
Salad with Green Goddess Dressing
Wine Pairing: 2021 J. de Villebois Pouilly-Fume Loire
The herbal freshness of the salad comes into focus with every sip of Sauvignon Blanc, offering bright citrus and garden herbs.
Mission Burritos/Tacos
Wine Pairing: 2022 Vinos Finos de California Sabroso Central Coast
Matching the spice and heat of a fiery Mission District salsa requires a simple, juicy, low-tannin red to refresh the palate, and this joyful red—gushing with easygoing strawberry fruit—fills the bill really nicely.
San Tung Style Chicken Wings
Wine Pairing: 2021 Monchhof Estate Riesling Mosel
This Rieslings offers loads of spice, tropical fruit, ginger, and fresh herbs that will all add to the experience of the sweet and savory wings without overwhelming them.
Ghirardelli Chocolates
Wine Pairing: 2021 Quinta do Noval Vintage Port Douro Valley Portugal
The decadent, rich chocolate meets its match with this luscious port that offers depth with flavors of dried red and black fruit and a cleansing acidity.
