A Tailgating Party

As you know, we're pretty big Bruce Springsteen fans around here at The Wine Shop. What does the Boss have to do with football you ask? (Bruce is a Giants fan, but we won't hold that against him). The simple answer to that question though, is nothing really. But for this week's tasting, we had an idea. I was at a Springsteen concert once a few years back, and in proper concert fashion we did some tailgating in the parking lot before the show. The thing is though, I'm not a beer drinker. So going against the grain, instead of the typical tailgate imbibery, we drank wine. With that in mind, we decided to do the same with pre-game football. So put away your steins and frosted mugs and get out your decanter because this week we're going to show you how to pair wine with all of your favorite tailgating snacks.

Queso. Pico de gallo. Buffalo chicken dip. Nachos. Wings. Jalapeno poppers. Charcuterie. Pizza. Burgers and hot dogs. Fries. Tacos. Empanadas. Pigs in a blanket. Potato skins. Tarts and popovers and rollups. Snacks wrapped in bacon, nosh stuffed with sausage or mushrooms or both. Chips, dips, pretzels. All the things; you get it.

While beer and carbonated soft drinks may wash all these fried and greasy delicious delights down, wine will also do the trick. And not only that, but it'll add just that extra little touch to your soiree.

So what are we drinking you ask? First up will be Gerard Bertrand Cremant de Limoux Brut, a sparkling wine from the south of France. Besides the obvious fact that bubbles are great at any time of day and for any occasion, especially the commencement of a party, sparkling wine, like the beer you no longer need to drink, will wash down any and all of your favorite party snacks and even cleanse your palate!

Our second wine will be a Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley (think Sancere) produced by Pascal Jolivet. Sauvignon Blanc is one of the parent grapes of Cabernet Sauvignon (Yes really). And like Cabernet, Sauvignon Blanc has subtle notes of green peppers, the Blanc even more so. Sauvignon Blanc is renowned for its green vegetal and herbaceous characteristics. So as your start digging into your nachos, scooping up some pico or popping those jalapeno poppers into your mouth, Sauvignon Blanc is the perfect pairing to enjoy as you chow down.

It's September and only the beginning of Football season, and as such residuals of summer are still lingering. And what is arguably the best summertime wine? Rose! We'll be enjoying The Pale Rose by Sacha Lichine (Hey, isn't that the guy who created The Whispering Angel? Sure is!) Not just a great accoutrement to the weather, drinking rose alongside queso and dips, tacos and South Carolina style bbq wings is just brilliant!

And lastly, Frescobaldi Remole, a Sangiovese (with a touch of Cabernet) from Tuscany. A soft, yet intense, fruit-driven red that you are absolutely going to want with your charcuterie, pizza, burgers and ribs slathered in sticky bbq sauce. I could go on and on about all the reasons why Italian red wine pairs with all kinds of food and is perfect for all kinds of occasions, but after writing all of this, it's made me hungry. And thirsty! So I'm going to go spark up the grill and preheat the air fryer. And as I make myself a snack I'm gonna pop a bottle or two!

See you Wednesday,

Salud,

The Wine Shop Team