WWBG: Super Bowl Matchup

WWBG

Editor’s Note: This column is sponsored by Georgetown Square Wine and Beer (10400 Old Georgetown Road).

In the spirit of this Super Bowl weekend, we’re going to have our own Seattle Seahawks vs. Denver Broncos-inspired matchup of Washington state wines vs. Colorado microbrews.

Seattle SeahawksComing out of the Wine Conference this year are the wines of the second largest wine-producing state in the U.S. Lining up with a historically great defense, Washington state’s premium varietals are merlot, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay and wyrah.

Washington had an outstanding 2013 vintage with perfect temperatures — just as the Seahawks had a great 2013 season.

Key Players for Washington State 

Pedestal Merlot 2008; Columbia Valley, Washington

Pedestal Merlot, Columbia Valley, WashingtonSeattle’s secondary is the greatest strength of the Seahawks. The state’s greatest wine is this merlot from the Columbia Valley. Pedestal Merlot is definitely a heavy-hitter in the Washington state wine world. Scoring a consistent 93 points from numerous publications, Pedestal Merlot gives Washington the best chance to win this matchup.

Columbia Crest Reserve Cabernet 2009; Columbia Valley, Washington

Washington state cabernets are definitely the new kids on the block in a cabernet scene dominated by Napa Valley and Bordeaux. But this young, delicious and strong varietal is perfectly represented by the Seahawks’ awesome defensive front-seven. Columbia Crest Reserve Cab can hold its own to any high-end Napa Valley cabernet or Bordeaux, 2005’s wine of the year.

K Vintner The Beautiful Syrah 2010; Walla Walla Valley, Washington

Washington state syrah is a new varietal on the American palate, just like Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson. It also plays the perfect underdog — just as Wilson does. Wilson was drafted in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft and was mostly overlooked as a starting signal caller in the NFL, just as this Syrah is overlooked as a premium varietal. Both Wilson and this wine prove they belong.

Denver BroncosComing out of the Beer Conference this year is a strong lineup of beers from Colorado’s microbreweries. With eight percent of the nation’s microbreweries located in the state, it’s no surprise it has become a strength.

Just like the Broncos, Colorado microbreweries line up great veterans with new, younger talent every year. Breweries such as New Belgium, Great Divide, Oskar Blues and Avery provide Colorado with the kind of offensive firepower that can score on anyone. Colorado is also home to America’s biggest beer festival, the Great American Beer Festival.

Key Players for Colorado Microbreweries   

Great Divide Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout; Denver, Colorado

Great Divide Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout, Denver, ColoradoThis brew is a shoe-in for the Hall of Fame, just like Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning. Scoring 100 points by RateBeer, this sophisticated brew can pick apart any defense. Great Divide is arguably the best brewery Colorado has.

Oskar Blues Gubna Imperial I.P.A; Longmont, Colorado

A solid brewery and a solid brew — think the Broncos offensive line. Oskar Blues brewery claims to have started the craft beer in a can revolution with its flagship beer, Dale’s Pale Ale. Oskar Blues plays a vital role in Colorado’s craft beer scene, just as the Broncos offensive line will play a huge role Sunday protecting Peyton against that staunch Seahawks front-seven.

Breckenridge Vanilla Porter; Breckenridge, Colorado

One of our best sellers, Breckenridge Vanilla Porter is silky smooth, big and has great hands, just like the Broncos receiving corps. That group was the best in the league this past season, putting up incredible numbers across the board and will play a huge role in Sunday’s game.

Prediction

This heavyweight matchup could go either way. You have two great regions that are on top of their game. Even though a great defense usually wins Super Bowls, I’m going to have to go with Colorado microbreweries here. Colorado simply has too many great breweries and just like the Broncos might have too many offensive weapons. It should be a matchup for the ages.

Community discussion guidelines: Our sponsored columns are written by members of the local business community. While we encourage a robust and open discussion, we ask that all reviews of the businesses — good or bad — be directed to another venue, like Yelp. The comments section is intended for a conversation about the topic of the article.

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