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SUPERBOWL MENU: TAKE IT UP A NOTCH
By Carolyn Evans-Hammond, published in Outreach Connection and distributed privately,
If you’re a sports fan, you’re no doubt feeling increasingly aroused by the very thought of the big game February 1st. Truth be told, other than the mild and momentary tickles of amusement I get from glancing at the players prancing around the field in tights patting each other’s bottoms and the perpetually grinning pom-pom girls’ effusive effervescence, I have a hard time getting terribly excited by the Superbowl. I know. Football is strategic. Totally cerebral. The field merely gives form to the deep philosophy that is the game. Right. I believe you. I’m just not that into it.
What I am into is the idea that the traditional football fare of nachos and cheese, wings, hot dogs, and chili with a keg of beer can be improved. So my contribution this year to the big game is an alternative menu, based on newly released wines at the LCBO. To keep the playing field level, I’ve chosen bottles that cost about the same as a premium six-pack.
Opening Ceremonies
Cracking open a cold one as opening ceremonies get underway seems so effortlessly right you’re probably thinking no wine can compete with the inaugural beer. I would argue the subtly pear-scented Eugenio Collavini Il Prosecco from
Food matches: Popcorn, roasted nuts, or olives.
First Quarter
As the game gets started, it’s time to pluck this straight out of the ice: Kumkani Sauvignon Blanc 2007 from
Food match: Thin-crust pizza bianca topped with fresh goat cheese, roasted garlic, and basil. Beats sloppy, rubber-skinned wings hands down.
Second Quarter
Second quarter means time to start pouring Kir-Yianni Petra 2007 from
Food match: Skewered charcoal grilled tiger shrimp brushed with garlic butter.
Half Time
Intermission means a bit more time to concentrate on what you’re eating and drinking without getting distracted from field plays so I’m recommending Murgo Etna Bianco 2007 from Sicily in Italy (0106310 $14.95). This wine exudes the most lovely baked marzipan nose leading to an almond and lemon custard palate. Outstanding buy.
Food match: Mixed greens dressed with a fruity olive oil and a squeeze of lemon, topped with Parmigiano-Reggiano shavings.
Third Quarter
And as we move past the half way mark, let’s turn to reds. Gamba Gnirega Valpolicella Classico Superifiore Ripasso le Quare 2006 from
Food match: A plate of aged prosciutto with thin shards of Grana Padano cheese. Now tell me, can nachos really compare?
Fourth Quarter
For the biggest quarter, the biggest wine: Château de Gaudou Cahors 2005 (0104935 $14.95). This incredible offering from Cahors in Southwest France is well worth snapping up. It yields unbelievably rich velvety fruit with soft, ripe tannins that give the impression of a fleshy texture on the tongue with dense, luscious flavours of blackberry, blueberry, and dark chocolate. Great length.
Food match: For the grand finale, skip the chili and opt for a big bowl of hearty Beef Bourguignon—that glorious French stew of beef braised in red wine flavoured with garlic, onion, and carrot, and a bouquet garni, and garnished with pearl onions and mushrooms. Touchdown!
To find an LCBO near you that stocks a particular bottle, visit www.vintages.com and search by the product name.
This column is distributed privately, appears in Outreach Connection weekly, and is posted at www.wine-tribune.com. Seasoned journalist and qualified sommelier Carolyn Evans-Hammond has written for several major publications including Decanter Magazine, The Times newspaper, and Wine & Spirit International magazine in the U.K., as well as Maclean’s magazine, Taste magazine, Tidings magazine, The Toronto Star and The Province in Canada. Her bestselling book, 1000 Best Wine Secrets, is available at most major bookstores, and signed copies are available through her website.