As football season kicks into high gear, it’s time to elevate your game day experience beyond the traditional beer and wings combo. This guide will introduce you to the exciting world of pairing wine with classic football fare, focusing on everyone’s favorite game day staple: chicken wings. Whether you’re hosting a watch party or heading to a tailgate, these wine and wing pairings will score big with your fellow fans.

Why Wine for Football?

While beer has long been the go-to beverage for football gatherings, wine offers a sophisticated alternative that can enhance your culinary experience. Wine can complement the flavors of your favorite game day snacks, cut through richness, and provide a refreshing counterpoint to spicy dishes. Plus, it’s a great way to avoid the dreaded beer bloat during those marathon viewing sessions.

Setting Up Your Wine Lineup

Before we dive into specific pairings, let’s cover some basics for serving wine at your football gathering:

1. Temperature: Serve white wines chilled (45-50°F) and red wines slightly cool (60-65°F).
2. Glassware: While fancy stemware isn’t necessary, having decent all-purpose wine glasses will enhance the experience.
3. Variety: Offer a selection of wines to cater to different tastes and pair with various snacks.
4. Quantity: Plan for about half a bottle per person for a typical game.

Wine and Wing Pairings: The Starting Lineup

Let’s break down some winning combinations for popular wing flavors:

1. Buffalo Wings & Riesling

Buffalo wings, with their spicy, tangy kick, pair beautifully with a slightly sweet Riesling. The wine’s fruity notes and touch of sweetness help tame the heat, while its high acidity refreshes the palate[2]. A German Riesling like the 2019 Von Hövel Saar Riesling Kabinett offers aromas of pink grapefruit and cherry with a lime zest finish that complements the hot elements of buffalo sauce perfectly[2].

2. BBQ Wings & Zinfandel

For sweet and smoky BBQ wings, reach for a bold, fruity red like Zinfandel. The wine’s jammy fruit flavors and hint of spice stand up well to the rich BBQ sauce. A California Zinfandel would be an excellent choice to match the bold American flavors of BBQ wings.

3. Garlic Parmesan Wings & Prosecco

The savory, cheesy flavors of garlic parmesan wings call for a crisp, bubbly wine to cleanse the palate. A dry Prosecco, like Collalto Colegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Brut, with its refreshing citrus and floral notes, pairs wonderfully with these rich wings[1].

4. Honey Garlic Wings & Chardonnay

For the sweet and savory profile of honey garlic wings, opt for a medium-bodied Chardonnay. Look for one with notes of honey, pear, and a touch of oak to complement the wings’ flavors. The Crossbow Russian River Valley Chardonnay, with its flavors of white peach, lemon curd, and honeycomb, would make an excellent pairing[1].

5. Teriyaki Wings & Gewürztraminer

The sweet and savory flavors of teriyaki wings pair beautifully with an aromatic white wine like Gewürztraminer. The Zinck Portrait Collection Gewürztraminer, with its distinct flavors of mandarin, lychee, and peach, can match the exotic flavors of the teriyaki glaze[1].

Beyond Wings: Pairing Wine with Other Game Day Favorites

While wings are a staple, a well-rounded game day spread includes other snacks. Here are some pairings to consider:

1. Potato Skins & Tempranillo: The rich, savory flavors of loaded potato skins pair well with a medium-bodied red like Tempranillo. Try the 2018 Artadi Valdegines Rioja Tempranillo, which offers fig and oak notes that stand up to fully-loaded potato skins[2].
2. Cheese Ball & Pinot Noir: A classic cheese ball appetizer pairs wonderfully with a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir. The 2019 Bien Nacido Estate Pinot Noir would complement the creamy, savory flavors of the cheese[2].
3. Spinach Artichoke Dip & Aligoté: This creamy, tangy dip pairs well with a crisp white wine. Try the 2019 Buisson-Charles Aligote Sous le Chemin, which offers apple, honeycomb, and floral notes[2].
4. Pizza & Sangiovese: For the ultimate game day comfort food, pair your pizza with a medium-bodied Italian red like Sangiovese. Its acidity cuts through the cheese and complements the tomato sauce perfectly.

Tips for a Successful Wine and Football Experience

1. Pace Yourself: Wine typically has a higher alcohol content than beer. Enjoy responsibly and stay hydrated throughout the game.
2. Provide Non-Alcoholic Options: Offer water, soda, or non-alcoholic wine for designated drivers and non-drinkers.
3. Use Proper Glassware: While not essential, using the right glasses can enhance the wine-drinking experience. Stemless glasses are great for casual settings.
4. Serve at the Right Temperature: Chill whites and rosés, and give reds a slight chill for optimal enjoyment.
5. Have Fun with It: Don’t stress too much about perfect pairings. Encourage guests to try different combinations and share their favorites.

The Extra Point: Creating a Wine Tasting Experience

To add an extra layer of fun to your game day gathering, consider setting up a mini wine tasting alongside your food spread. Here’s how:

1. Select 3-4 Wines: Choose a variety of styles that pair well with your menu.
2. Provide Tasting Notes: Write brief descriptions of each wine for your guests.
3. Offer Small Pours: Use 2-3 oz pours to allow guests to try multiple wines without overindulging.
4. Encourage Discussion: Have fun comparing notes on which wines pair best with different foods.

Conclusion: Winning with Wine

Pairing wine with wings and other football snacks might seem unconventional, but it’s a great way to elevate your game day experience. By offering a selection of wines that complement classic football fare, you’ll create a more sophisticated and enjoyable atmosphere for your guests. Remember, the key is to have fun and experiment with different combinations.

As you become more comfortable with wine pairings, you’ll discover your own favorite combinations. Who knows? You might even convert some die-hard beer drinkers to the wonderful world of wine and football. So this season, trade in the six-pack for some bottles of vino, and get ready to score big with your fellow fans. Cheers to a season of great games, delicious food, and perfect pairings!

Citations:
[1] https://www.abcfws.com/wine-and-wing-pairings
[2] https://www.coravin.com/blogs/community/super-bowl-snack-wine-pairings
[3] https://www.wine4food.com/food/wine-chicken-wings/
[4] https://argaux.com/just-a-splash/best-wine-for-football-games-and-tailgates/
[5] https://www.brightcellars.com/blogs/learn/wine-wings-a-pairing-guide
[6] https://www.1winedude.com/wine-for-football-tailgaiting/
[7] https://drinkboxt.com/blogs/unboxt-blog/your-ultimate-football-and-wine-pairing-guide
[8] https://cambridgewinesnj.com/blogs/news/the-perfect-match-football-and-wine-pairings-for-buffalo-wings