Game Options?
It’s hard to believe that we’re in the middle of the season and that it won’t be too long until the Holidays have gone, and the Playoffs will begin. In the meantime, it’s football at home this Sunday between the Pats and the Browns and the two big questions are:” who’ll win the game, offense or defense?” and “what’s to eat and drink?”.
I’m not sure about the first one, though the McCourtys and Matthew Slater continue to strike fear into the opposing offenses, but let’s get right into the second one. Since the weather outlook for game day is pretty wet, let’s stick to the indoor options for some food to go with the wines.
Before the game begins, you might want to put out some Korean Pork Eggrolls (slow roasted pork, cabbage ,carrots and Korean BBQ sauce) and some Coal Fired Wings (Lemon juice, caramelized onions and Rosemary) along with some Seghesio Zinfandel, Sonoma, 2017, ($19.99). This family has been making fantastic wines since the mid-1890s and their Zin vines are some of the oldest they have-90 years+. This one is big and edgy, with lots of blue fruit/ tabac notes and spicy overtones. It’s not structured, but a good Zin shouldn’t be; long finishes and a great complement to the egg rolls and wings.
What about a couple of Chicken Broccoli Alfredo pizzas, (Alfredo sauce, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, chicken and broccoli)and some Trimbach Riesling, 2017, Alsace-Lorraine, France, ($17.99)? Since Riesling is rarely made with oak or blended with other grapes, its dry versions showcase this wine’s pure green apple, citrus and peach flavors with a refreshing acidity, topped off by honey, spicy and smoky flavors on the finish, which is longer than most Rieslings.( BTW, this one is also great both before and with Thanksgiving and Christmas Turkey.)
Halftime is usually when everyone is usually looking for the “prime item”, so don’t take a chance on disappointing anybody. How about some Top Sirloin Sliders (Thin-sliced Top Sirloin, sautéed mushrooms and Bearnaise sauce on artisan rolls) and some Alexandria Nicole 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon “A Squared” ,Horse Heaven Hills, Washington, ($19.95)? This Cab is superb; if it said Napa instead of Horse Heaven Hills on the label, you’d easily pay $50+ a bottle. This A Squared Cabernet is sourced entirely from Nicole’s Destiny Ridge Vineyard. It’s a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot and 9% Malbec aged for 20 months in 40% new French oak barrels; it’s a bold expression of Columbia Valley Cab with layers of flavor. Black cherries, currants, plums, and black olives with vanilla and caramel notes from the oak expand on the palate while ripe, round tannins create a lively mouthfeel and a balanced acidity keeps the flavors fresh and vibrant. This clearly has the body to mature in cellar for another 4-6 years as well, but it drinks so well now you may not be able to wait.
Finally, if the game turns out as we all hope it will (and it should), a victory toast with a glass of The White Knight Prosecco Non-Vintage, Prosecco, Italy, ($15.99)? Made from the Glera grape, which was formerly and confusingly called Prosecco, these wines are notable for pleasant flavors of peach, pear, melon, green apple, and honeysuckle. Lower pressure during the carbonation process (also called the tank method) means that the bubbles are lighter and frothier than in Champagne or other traditional method sparkling wine, and less persistent. Crisp aromas of acacia flower, apple, white peach and citrus fruit captivate the nose before the palate is satisfied with an avalanche of fresh and delicate flavors that culminate in a tantalizing and memorable ending.
Talk to The Wine Guy at jdris8888@gmail.com
