Like many football fans, you are probably gearing up for a great grid iron contest on Super Bowl Sunday. Whether you are hosting the whole gang or heading out to a friend’s, as a wine enthusiast, you may be wondering what wines to serve with typical, game-day fare. While several wines might be up to the challenge, a few seem especially suited for the big day.

This is obviously not the time to break out your vintage Bordeaux or other fine wines, but inexpensive wines with straightforward, simple flavors that lend themselves to casual food will work well. One choice might be the nutty aromas and flavors of a Fino Sherry. These wines are a perfect counterpart to the salty olives, almonds and tapas enjoyed in Spain’s tapas bars and can be an equally fine match for your salty snacks and chips and dips.

To complement more substantial fare, throwing in a fruit bomb wine may be just the ticket for drinking with heros, wings and barbecue. For example, the bold, explosive fruit-forward cherry and berry flavors of nearly any Australian Shiraz would work wonderfully as would a Zinfandel. With pizza and other Italian fare, the quintessential match is a nice Chianti, but if Asian or spicy foods are on the menu, the aromatic floral, citrus and peach notes of Rieslings are a natural choice to pair with them. However, heavily tannic wines should be avoided as the tannin will intensify the effect of the heat in your mouth. 

Finally, the freshness and slight effervescence of a Portugese Vino Verde could also serve as an excellent foil for most of these food choices. These lower alcohol wines are terrific for quaffing, especially if the game goes into overtime. Whichever wine you choose, gather together with good friends, cheer on your favorite team and enjoy the game.