The NFL WildCard playoffs are set!! So when planning your menu for the coming big games or the Superbowl, incorporating a selection of snacks and wines that complement each other can really elevate the experience. Here are some classic game day snacks paired with wines, complete with recipes and recommended wines:

1. Classic Buffalo Wings &amp; Riesling

Snack: Buffalo wings are a quintessential game day treat. To prepare, marinate chicken wings in a mix of hot sauce, melted butter, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne, and garlic powder. Bake until crispy and toss them in more sauce for that classic spicy kick.

Wine Pairing: A crisp Riesling. Its natural sweetness and acidity can tame the heat of the wings and cleanse the palate. Look for a Riesling with a balance of fruity and mineral notes, offering a refreshing contrast to the spicy wings.

Wine Recommendation: <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/AJ-Adam-Dhroner-Hofberg-Riesling-Trocken-2018-w9143049e1">A.J. Adam - Dhroner Hofberg Riesling Trocken 2018</a>, $42.99

2. Loaded Nachos &amp; Zinfandel

Snack: For loaded nachos, layer corn tortilla chips with shredded beef, black beans, jalapenos, and cheese. Bake until the cheese melts and then top with guacamole, sour cream, and salsa. This snack is a medley of flavors and textures.

Wine Pairing: A robust Zinfandel. This wine, known for its bold fruit flavors and a hint of spice, complements the meat and spices in the nachos well. A Zinfandel with notes of blackberry, cherry, and pepper would be ideal.

Wine Recommendation: <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Ridge-Lytton-Springs-Zinfandel-Dry-Creek-Valley-2021-w7007258mk">Ridge - Lytton Springs Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley 2021</a>, $59.99

3. Sliders with Blue Cheese &amp; Cabernet Sauvignon &ndash; Staff Favorite**

Snack: Mini sliders made with quality ground beef, seasoned with salt and pepper, and grilled to perfection. Serve on small buns with blue cheese, arugula, and a thin slice of red onion.

Wine Pairing: Cabernet Sauvignon. The tannins in this wine cut through the fattiness of the beef and blue cheese, while its flavors of black currant, cedar, and herbs add an extra layer of complexity to the sliders.

Wine Recommendation: <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Concha-y-Toro-Cabernet-Sauvignon-Maipo-Valley-Terrunyo-Pirque-Viejo-Vineyard-2018-w9062227lv">Concha y Toro - Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo Valley Terrunyo Pirque Viejo Vineyard 2018</a>, $35.99

Wine Recommendation: <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Chateau-Lynch-Bages-Echo-de-Lynch-Bages-Pauillac-2019-w6428939kd">Chateau Lynch-Bages - Echo de Lynch Bages Pauillac 2019,</a> $58.99

https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Chateau-Lynch-Bages-Echo-de-Lynch-Bages-Pauillac-2019-w6428939kd

4. Cheese and Charcuterie Board &amp; Pinot Noir

Snack: Assemble a board with a variety of cheeses (think Brie, Cheddar, and Gouda), cured meats (like salami and prosciutto), nuts, fruits, and crackers. This offers something for everyone and encourages grazing throughout the game.

Wine Pairing: Pinot Noir. This wine is versatile enough to pair with the wide range of flavors on the board. Look for a Pinot Noir with notes of cherry, raspberry, and clove for a delightful match.

Wine Recommendation:&nbsp; <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Bzikot-Pere-and-Fils-Volnay-2018-w664195310">Bzikot Pere &amp; Fils - Volnay 2018</a>, $51.99

5. Spicy Shrimp Tacos &amp; Sauvignon Blanc

Snack: Quick shrimp tacos with a spicy seasoning, topped with a slaw of cabbage, cilantro, and lime juice. Serve in small tortillas for easy eating.

Wine Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc. The zesty and citrus notes of this wine complement the spice and freshness of the tacos. A Sauvignon Blanc with hints of lime, green apple, and passion fruit would be particularly refreshing.

Wine Recommendation: &nbsp;<a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Gerard-Boulay-Sancerre-Chavignol-2022-w1366241xd">Gerard Boulay - Sancerre Chavignol 2022</a>, $38.99

Pairing wines with your NFL game day snacks can transform your viewing into a gourmet experience. Remember, the best pairings balance the flavors and intensity of both the food and the wine. Don&#39;t be afraid to experiment and find what combinations delight your palate the most. Enjoy the game and the feast!

 
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The NFL WildCard playoffs are set!! So when planning your menu for the coming big games or the Superbowl, incorporating a selection of snacks and wines that complement each other can really elevate the experience. Here are some classic game day snacks paired with wines, complete with recipes and recommended wines.

Big Games are set! Here are wine pairings for your favorite game snacks!

Wines from grapes grown in higher altitude areas with cooler climate has become quite the trend recently. This specific growing environment gives intense flavor but elegance and freshness to the final wines. To highlight and champion these conditions more and more winemakers are starting to use alto as a marketing and labelling term to show their grapes were grown in high altitude vineyards.

Decoding the wine label: Alto

Brut is a word often seen on labels for different kinds of sparkling wine. As you may have discovered when drinking these wines, it indicates that the wine is dry, meaning there is no perceived sweetness in the wine. But how about Extra Brut or Dry, what do they mean and are they the same as Brut?

Decoding the wine label: Brut

Semi-sweet Riesling, a type of wine falling out of style. It’s a shame, since these wines are perfect to pair with flavorful cuisines like Asian or Mexican, or simply drink as they come under the summer sun. The higher level of sugar left in the wine also means that the alcoholic fermentation was stopped before finishing, providing a wine with lower alcohol level and therefor easier grabbing a second glass of.

Decoding the wine label: Spätlese

Have you ever heard the word Xinomavro? Most have not. It is however a word on many sommeliers’ lips today, as it happens to be considered the grape variety with the highest quality in Greece, and one that is trending at the moment. The fact that Greece have been making wine for a long time comes as no surprise, but they have never exported an amount to make sure wine lovers around the globe tried it. With the growing wine tourism many have discovered these wines and are serving them in wine bars and restaurants in many countries today.

Decoding the wine label: Xinomavro

Chianti Classico, Valpolicella Classico, Soave Classico… Why do all these Italian wine regions have the Classico addendum and what does it mean? What is the difference for wines labeled as Classico?

Classico is a wine term in Italy seen on a few wine labels and it indicates that the wine’s from the historic center of the region, the heart. Using Chianti and Chianti Classico and their Sangiovese-based red wines as an example, Chianti is a rather large wine district within the Tuscany region. Chianti Classico is located withing Chianti as the central part and the one that originally existed. Back then this smaller region was actually called Chianti, but as the region grew the quality of the wine plummeted and the well-known characteristics of these red wines were watered down. The reputation took a hit and sales diminished. Eventually this led to the creation of Chianti Classico, which would be drawn from the original Chianti borders to recover the typicity of these wines. Today the quality of both Chianti and Chianti Classico have risen a lot due to modern techniques and knowledge about pruning, planting and temperature control in the winery.

Decoding the wine label: Classico

In the rarefied world of fine wine, where bottles can command prices equivalent to luxury cars, authenticity is everything. Laurent Ponsot's gripping memoir "FBI: Fake Bottle Investigation" reads more like a high-stakes thriller than a traditional wine book, chronicling his relentless pursuit of one of the wine world's most infamous counterfeiters, Rudy Kurniawan.

From Burgundy's Vineyards to the FBI's Most Wanted: A Winemaker's Quest for Justice

Chablis – one of the more popular styles of wine today and a region known by many. Most are familiar with the word Chablis and the light, fresh white wine with a touch of minerality it brings. Even though it’s a renowned wine, few knows what it really is.

Decoding the wine label: Chablis

Many grape varieties around the world of wine have names local to the region or country they’re grown in, even though they’re exactly the same. The most famous example would be Syrah in France where the same grape is named Shiraz in Australia. Another variety with two names is Pinot Grigio, or Pinot Gris.

Decoding the wine label: Pinot Grigio

Have you ever seen the term sur lie on a wine label? It’s not a grape and not a wine region, but a winemaking method used to give certain styles of white wine a rounder texture and a more complex flavor profile.

Decoding the wine label: Sur lie

Bellissimo Restaurant

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at Bellissimo, a northern Italian restaurant that serves locally grown produce, seafood, and house-made pasta, and a wine list that features Italian classics, unique varietals, and value wines.

Wine List Review of Bellissimo, Virginia

Michaela Quinlan

Bellissimo

<a href="https://bellissimorestaurant.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Wine-List.pdf">https://bellissimorestaurant.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Wine-List.pdf</a>

&nbsp;

Bellissimo:

RT: Hello and welcome to CorkRules!&nbsp;

A podcast where, in each episode,&nbsp;we will review a wine list from your favorite restaurants. I&rsquo;m your host Robert Tas along with Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier.

&nbsp;

Hello Michaela,&nbsp;it&rsquo;s great to be back together for another episode.

&nbsp;

MQ: Hi Robert!

&nbsp;RT: Before we jump in, let&rsquo;s talk about CorkRules.

We created CorkRules our mobile app and our podcast&rsquo;s to demystify wine lists because we know from experience, that sometimes when we get that&nbsp; list handed to us, well&hellip; it can be intimidating, and even a little daunting.

&nbsp;

Our aim is to help prepare you to navigate that list, find those hidden gems, or value wines or that special bottle that will take your dining experience over the top.

&nbsp;

RT:&nbsp;So, sit back and listen as we review your favorite wine list.

&nbsp;

RT: Today we are talking about Bellissimo in Fairfax, Virginia. Bellissimo features Northern Italian cuisine, locally grown produce, seafood, and house made pasta.

&nbsp;

Michaela, I can&rsquo;t wait to hear what you think of their wine list?

&nbsp;

MQ: Bellissino&rsquo;s wine list features Italian classics, unique varietals, and value wines to pair with their standout menu. This is a perfect location for private events and special occasions.

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&nbsp;

RT: That&rsquo;s really great, as you looked at the list did you see anything jump out at you?

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MQ: I love to kick off any event with a great sparkler. Consider the Bellavista Franciacorta, Cuvee Brut. This dry, crisp sparkler from the Franciacorta region in Northern Italy consists of a blend of Pinot Nero and Chardonnay, and showcases white flowers, ripe green apple, brioche, lime zest and an almond note on the finish. A fresh way to begin your dining experience or to pair with cheese and shellfish.

&nbsp;

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RT: That is for sure unique. Did you find any others that caught your eye right away

&nbsp;

MQ: Another wine that caught my eye was the 2012 Buondonno Campo al Ciliegi from Tuscany. This 100% Syrah is rich and full bodied with notes of ripe blackberries, boysenberry, and plumb, with clove, smoke, and earth. This Syrah is your go to when looking to pair with richly sauced pasta and proteins.

&nbsp;

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RT: So Michaela, their list seems to have lots of range but was there anything that you would say is a &ldquo;must-try&rdquo; ?

&nbsp;

MQ: A must-try red to consider is the Marchese di Barolo, Madonna del Dono, Dolcetto de Alba in the Piedmont. The Alba region within the Piedmont brings us this beautifully smooth Dolcetto that features ripe red cherries, bright acidity, with lavender, currant, and leather on the lingering finish. Another excellent consideration to pair with richly sauced proteins and pasta.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

RT: These are some great calls.

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So you know I&rsquo;m getting thirsty and will need to order a bottle with my dinner, where would you guide us?

&nbsp;

MQ: Another standout red to consider for the table would be the 2012 De Fillipo, Montefalco Sagrantino from Umbria. This Sagrantino from Central Italy features fig, plumb, and cassis, with notes of earth, smoke, leather, cocoa, and vanilla on the lingering finish. A beautiful wine that gets better with every sip, a true crowd pleaser, and is guaranteed to pair well with Bellissimo&rsquo;s classic fare.

&nbsp;

RT: Ooh, Terrific.

&nbsp;

Michaela, speaking of price, sometimes people have a budget in mind..&nbsp; any other great value wines you&rsquo;d point us to?&nbsp;

&nbsp;

MQ: Remaining in Central Italy, a classic white wine of excellent quality and value to consider is the 2019 Stefano Antonucci Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi. Castelli di Jesi is a region within the Marche along the coast of the calf of the boot of Italy. Verdicchio is light and bright with crisp acidity, ripe peach, white flowers, green apple, lemon zest, and salinity with a mineral finish. Light and refreshing, this Verdicchio pairs well with charcuterie, scallops, and lightly sauced pasta.

&nbsp;

RT: That sounds great. What is your other value selection?

&nbsp;

MQ: A red wine to consider of excellent quality and value is the 2015 Castello Poppiano, Toscaforte Sangiovese di Toscana. Sangiovese, the classic grape varietal from Tuscany, is dry and features ripe raspberries, ripe red cherries, smoke, earth, with cocoa on the finish. The firm tannins and long finish make this classic a wonderful companion to all richly sauced pasta and proteins. All for an excellent price. 
&nbsp;

RT: Now Michaela, what if I have a big client dinner or special occasion where I want to take it up a notch?

&nbsp;

&nbsp;MQ: When celebrating any event with classic cuisine, a classic wine is in order. Consider the 2013 Sartori di Verona Estate Amarone della Valpolicella. This Amarone from the Valpolicella region of Northern Italy, consists of a blend of Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara, with a splash of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes ripen during harvest, then dry out, which maintains rich flavors and concentration in the wine. Flavors and aromas of raisins, prune, dried fig, and plumb, with tobacco and oak on the ripe, round finish. This iconic red wine has exceptional age ability and is always a wonderful addition to any event.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

RT: Michaela, thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Bellissimo&rsquo;s wine list. I can&rsquo;t wait to go try them myself.&nbsp;

To our audience, thank you all for joining us here on CorkRules.

&nbsp;

If you would like us to review one of your favorite restaurants, please send us email to: <a href="mailto:Info@corkrules.Com">Info@CorkRules.Com</a> or visit our web website where we have a request form available and we will do our best to get it in the queue as quickly as possible.

We are looking forward to being with you on another CorkRules episode soon. In the meantime, please check out our website for other episodes of your favorite restaurant wine lists.&nbsp;

And finally, drink what you love and please make sure you drink responsibly.

&nbsp;

Thank you.

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End

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CorkRules application allows you to discover wines at your favorite restaurants, learn with friends and be confident with price transparency. Order wine with confidence at restaurants and retailers. Get personalized recommendations. #DrinkWhatYouLove

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