Why not try a selection of wines for your Super Bowl bash this year? Joe Bastianich shares his picks for perfect pairings.
1st quarter white: Hermann J. Wiemer Vinyards 2010 Dry Riesling, Finger Lakes, New York, $14-$17
This is a lighter white wine and is a good one to start the party. Pair it with Wisconsin cheddar cheese cubes.
2nd quarter white: Hess Select Monterey 2010 Chardonnay, California, $13
A domestic wine (perfect for the Patriots), this big, modern-style Chardonnay is weighty and oaky. It’s a mainstream commercial wine that most people would enjoy — a real crowd pleaser. Pair it with pigs in a blanket.
Madonna’s halftime performance: Bellini
A Bellini is festive, fruity, light and a little retro. It’s refreshing and effervescent – just like Madonna, who is refreshing in her ability to reinvent her coolness.
This Bellini is Prosecco and puree of ripe pears and sugar syrup. Try Flor Prosecco, Italy $15-$16, which is 100 percent prosecco, from the Veneto region. For the Bellini mix, you need ripe pears, lemon juice and sugar syrup. Peel, core and chop some nice ripe pears with some lemon juice (so they don't turn brown) and sugar syrup. Use a blender to liquify, then strain.
2nd half: Switch to red — the red wine is more serious business for the second half.
3rd quarter red: Allegrini Valpolicella Classico, Italy, $10-$15 (depending upon the state)
This is a lighter-style Italian red, on the nose cherry. Pair it with pizza bagels or pizza bites.
4th quarter red: Henry's Drive Pillar Box Reserve 2009 Shiraz, Australia, $18
This big fruity red is another crowd pleaser. It’s very fruit-driven, with notes of black cherry, plums and a little spice. This is a heavier red, for pairing with protein dishes like chili.
More from Bites: