Scott Greenberg, special to wtop.com
The 46th annual Super Bowl is crawling towards us this Sunday like a supertanker pulling into port. Looming large on the horizon, it churns steadily and purposefully towards television sets poised in homes and sports bars across the country and around the world.
Millions of viewers eagerly await both the kickoff and the attention-grabbing commercials with equal anticipation.
And, of course, copious amounts of food of every manner will be consumed while watching the Big Game. From pizza and chicken wings to smoked brisket and barbequed ribs, the range of Super Bowl fare has the potential to run the gamut of every major food group. The choice of which beverages to serve alongside these culinary selections can be a challenge.
Here are a few ideas that will please a diversity of palates while leaving enough money in your wallet to still buy a few picks in the office pool.
Beer is always a great choice for watching any football game. But for The Big Game, only a big beer will do. And if you’re a New England Patriots fan, the patriotic choice is Sam Adams Third Voyage Double Indian Pale Ale. This creation is part of Sam Adams “Small Batch Series” and is a limited edition brew. The name pays homage to Captain James Cook, whose third voyage took him from England to New Zealand and then to the Pacific Northwest.
The beer was crafted using hops from each of these regions and produces a bright citrus nose with flavors of hops, a touch of malt, and more citrus on the mid-palate. The bitter finish ends crisp and clean and would be perfect with – what else? – New England clam chowder. $6 for a 22 ounce bottle
BEST PICK – If you’re a Giants fan, then you’ll enjoy this gigantic wine during the game. The 2008 Clos de los Siete from Argentina is a behemoth. The winery was founded by legendary wine consultant Michel Rolland along with a group of six Bordelaise partners. Using a combination of malbec, merlot, syrah, and cabernet sauvignon, Rolland crafts a wine that is massive and seductive at the same time.
Scents of blackberries, dark cherries and black pepper fill the bouquet as flavors of blackberry, black olives and cassis liqueur coat the palate in waves of complexity. The superbly balanced finish highlights dark mocha notes that glide down the tongue like silk. Pair it with gourmet burgers topped with Gruyere. $16
One of the most versatile white wines on the market is Viognier, and the 2009 Miner Simpson Vineyard Viognier from Madera Valley, California is no exception. Stainless steel fermentation promotes the aromatic bouquet of acacia flowers and honeysuckle and lets the flavors of tropical fruit and notes of white peaches and nectarines shine through on the bright, crisp body. The tangy acidity offers a clean finish that would pair beautifully with the flavors of sweet pineapple and rich ham on a Hawaiian style pizza. $17
The Tempranillo grape is often overlooked as a utility player in the wine world. The 2005 Bodegas LAN Reserva from the Rioja region of Spain plays well with a variety of food, including ribs, chicken and steak. Aromas of cherries and red plums fill the nose as well as the palate, where they are joined by flavors of raspberries along with hints of cinnamon. The velvety finish is long and juicy and offers a touch of licorice for good measure. $18
The Super Bowl is a duel between two powerful teams. The 2009 The Federalist Dueling Pistols from Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma, California is a duel between two powerful varietals; zinfandel and syrah. Aromas of dark cherry and violets fill the nose. In the mouth, zinfandel contributes juicy red cherry/berry notes while the syrah provides structure and hearty flavors of blackberry and mocha. The peppery, powerful finish would be a perfect partner with spicy wings and barbecued ribs. $35
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