Bowl guests over with wine pairings

Super Bowl Sunday is just around the corner. This American tradition for more than 50 years is so much more than an opportunity to watch a football game — it’s an excuse to prepare an indulgent feast and pair up our favorite beverages.

These are just a few of the menu items I will be preparing for my feast. In front of each item I am placing a small card with the food item and suggested wine pairing. If I get creative it may be in a fun football theme frame. It’s much the same as you would do if you were having wine and cheese pairing party.

Sparkling Wine and Potato Skins THE VALUE

NV Frexinet Brut Cava, Spain (about $12 retail)

THE SPLURGE

NV Piper Sonoma Brut, California (about $20 retail)

Barbera and Pizza THE VALUE

2015 Villa Monsignore Barbera, Italy (about $14 retail)

THE SPLURGE

2015 Renato Ratti Barbera, Italy (about $24 retail)

Chardonnay and Mac and Cheese Balls THE VALUE

2015 Domaine Gayda Languedoc Chardonnay, France (about $12 retail)

THE SPLURGE

2015 Chateau Ste Michelle Cold Creek Chardonnay, Washington (about $27 retail)

Albarino and Buffalo Chicken Wings THE VALUE

2015 Martin Codax Albarino, Spain (about $15 retail)

THE SPLURGE

2015 La Cana Albarino, Spain (about $19 retail)

Zinfandel and Pulled Pork Sliders THE VALUE

2015 7 Deadly Zins, California (about $15 retail)

THE SPLURGE

2014 Beran Sonoma Zinfandel, California (about $35 retail)

Grenache and Barbecue Brisket THE VALUE

2015 Flying Solo Grenache/Syrah, France (about $13 retail)

THE SPLURGE

2014 Grant Burge Holy Grail Grenache, Australia (about $38 retail)

Lorri Hambuchen is a member of London’s Institute of Wines and Spirits. Contact her at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, Ark. 72203, or email: uncorked@thewinecenter.com