Super Bowl of Wine

It looks like the chicken wing crisis has been averted and America's drinking and snacking will continue unabated tomorrow during the Super Bowl. While that crisis has not come to pass, the crisis of faith - whether or not to show up to a party with wine or not - will continue. Given that there are now breweries spending millions of dollars convincing beer drinkers that they are using a "chalice" rather than a "glass," now is the time for wine drinkers to enjoy the game as full participants. 

This year, more than previous Super Bowls, is the perfect opportunity to show up at a party with a bottle of wine or offer it to your own guests. San Francisco is the home team for some of the best winemaking regions in the world. Baltimore is Robert Parker's home team. Given that this year's game pits brother against brother a la the House of Mondavi and this year is the perfect opportunity for wine lovers to show all those chalice-sippers that wine is as good - if not better - than beer when combined with game day foods. 

And speaking of wine, what kind of wine should you bring or serve? Zinfandel is always a crowd pleaser and works great with BBQ and spicier foods. Considering that you can get a decent bottle for $10 or under and a really good bottle for $15 or other, you really can't go wrong. 

Other options are Shiraz, Cotes du Rhone or Chilean Merlot, all of which will appeal to a wide array of people and all of which cost you about $9 for an enjoyable bottle. Chilean Merlot has been my go-to wine recently, and given its cost-to-value ratio, unique flavor profile and wide appeal, is a great option for anyone who wants to enjoy the game and a glass of wine at the same time.