By Carl Franco
The Super Bowl is here, and it’s time to pick a side. Are you Patriots or Seahawks? Do you spell it Super Bowl or Superbowl? Are you here for the game or the commercials? Is your chili with beans or no beans? Are your chicken wings spicy or savory? And of course the big decision, beer, wine, or spirits?
While I’m a casual football fan, it should come as no surprise that I’m a serious food & wine fan. Over the years, I’ve tried just about every Super Bowl menu imaginable: a taco bar with all the fixings, a Wing-Off with several styles of chicken wings, a full-on appetizer grazing with chips, dips and nachos, and even a Cajun detour one year with seafood gumbo. But no matter how far I stray, I always seem to come back to the classic, a big bowl of chili. That said, no matter how big or small your gathering, you have plenty of options. So grab your Pepcid AC (for those of us over 40) and call your food play. Then once your menu is set, you’ll also need a starting lineup for your beverages, so let’s run through some choices.
Beer: Pick Six
While we all look forward to a great Budweiser commercial, beer choices have come a long way from the days when a few mainstream brands dominated market. The craft beer boom has settled into a more refined place, with the best brewers rising above the noise. The familiar standbys are still there, of course, but now there’s room to branch out without feeling overwhelmed. If you’re in the mood to stray from the usual picks, here are a few beers worth considering.
New Canaan native and now Darien Resident Mike Spellman and his wife Alex started Captain Zig Brewing and if you did not have a chance to sample his wares when they were here pouring at this year’s Holiday Stroll then now is the time to give them a try. I can highly recommend the following:
Captain Zig Goodnight Oatmeal Stout: A smooth, easy- drinking oatmeal stout with rich roasted malt flavors and a balanced finish that makes it enjoyable any time of year.
Captain Zig Goosecake IPA: An easy-drinking hazy IPA with a balanced malt backbone, bright hop character, and a crisp finish that even lager drinkers can appreciate.
Captain Zig Sidekick Pilsner: A crisp, German-style pilsner with a clean, refreshing profile and a nicely balanced hop finish.
Vermont is home to numerous breweries, and Zero Gravity brings it home with beautifully balanced beers that blend classic styles with lively New England creativity. While they offer a wide range of seasonal releases, you can always find the following available year-round:
Zero Gravity Cone Head IPA: A bright, Citra-hopped India Pale Ale with juicy citrus flair and a golden hazy pour that balances hop character and drinkability.
Zero Gravity Green State Lager: A crisp, easy-drinking pilsner brewed with noble hops and premium malt for a clean, refreshing classic lager experience.
These are just two of the many breweries we carry—our other regional beers and microbrews include East Rock, Two Roads, Thomas Hooker, Hanging Hills, New England Brewing Co., and SoNo Brewing, just to name a few.
Wine of Scrimmage
So, do people really do wine for the Super Bowl? The short answer is yes. If you’re sticking with a traditional Super Bowl menu, it can get a little tricky. The flavors are bold and spicy, so if you pour something light and delicate, like a Pinot Noir or Chenin Blanc, it’s likely to end up on the DL. This is when you’ll probably find yourself rooting for a West Coast team like Cabernet or Chardonnay, though there are still a few solid options if you want to bring in a ringer from another country. That said, you don’t want to climb too far up the fine-wine ladder, as the bold seasoning of the food will overpower any of the delicate wine nuances. So let’s talk about bottles that can take the hit and still get you to the goal line.
My picks for MVB (Most Valuable Bottle) would be the following.
From California, I’d consider:
2021 The Verge Cabernet Sauvignon: A classic Alexander Valley Cabernet with deep dark cherry and blueberry fruits framed by mocha, licorice and firm tannins
2022 Altruria Cabernet: A subtle Sonoma Cabernet with ripe blackberry and cassis aromas that lead to a plush, full-bodied palate of dark fruit, spice and smooth tannins.
2023 Ferrari Carano Chardonnay: A rich, round Sonoma Chardonnay bursting with pear, golden apple and citrus flavors wrapped in vanilla and toasted oak notes.
If you’d like to sneak in a foreign all-star you can always take one of these players off the bench:
2020 Monte Real Rioja Reserva: Built on Tempranillo, this wine shows notes of cherry and raspberry and layered with spice, licorice, and gentle oak which makes this very food friendly.
2022 Château Montfrin Côtes du Rhône: A laid-back Southern Rhône red with ripe dark berry and wild cherry notes supported by spice, pepper, and supple structure.
2021 Château St. Roch Old Vines White: A full, round French white wine with subtle lime and ripe pear aromas, lively acidity, and a fresh, elegant finish.
The Offensive Line – Tequila
If you’re not afraid of your guests getting a little too rowdy, you can always move things along with a Tush Push of tequila. Whether it’s a margarita, ranch water, or enjoyed neat, tequila pairs effortlessly with nachos, chicken wings, and tacos. A few tequilas worth drafting include the following:
Siete Leguas Añejo: A rich, full-bodied añejo with notes of oak, caramel, and warm spice, perfect for sipping slowly.
Herradura Silver: A bright and crisp silver tequila with fresh agave, citrus, and a clean, smooth finish—ideal for cocktails.
Casa Noble Reposado: A balanced reposado with hints of vanilla, honey, and toasted oak, offering both complexity and easy drinkability.
End Zone
On Game Day as you huddle in the kitchen and review your plays, remember to pick drinks that match the casual energy of the day. There are plenty of options for beer, wine, and spirits, and if your menu is venturing off the usual playbook, stop in and we’ll help you call the perfect all-star starting lineup. Teams may collide, guests may bump heads, but your food and drink should operate like a well-oiled machine, so by the final whistle, you can hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy for hosting like a pro.
Carl Franco is the proprietor of Francos Wine Merchant, a local wine store in New Canaan.
