It’s Party Time!

Pull out your portable grills, your coolers and your plastic dishware, it’s that time of year again! School colors are showing, the teams are preparing and parking lot parties, otherwise known as tailgating, are being planned. Mark Gagliano, the “wine guy” at our local Harris Teeter, and I thought it would be fun to do a post about wine pairing for tailgating! Sit back and get out your pen and paper. I’m sharing some great menus and Mark is joining in with wines to go with them. And just to get you started….all in good fun….enjoy a listen to Lee Brice’s hit song, “Parking Lot Party”!

Menu #1

Salsa Cups

Pulled Pork Sliders with Cole Slaw

Veggie Cups

Football Brownies

Mark and I discussed the concept of compare and contrast. For the first menu he suggested three different wines. These are full bodied wines that really bring out the flavors in the menu.

Las Rocas Granacha

Parallele 45 Cote de Rhone

Penfold’s Shiraz

Menu #2

Texas Tailgating Dip

Burger Sliders

Bacon Wrapped Hotdogs

Grilled Veggie Skewers

Individual Cheesecake

For this menu Mark chooses a Lambrusco, fizzy, a bit sweet and a contrast to the menu. To compare, Mark suggests a cabernet to compliment the flavors of the burger and dogs. His top picks are 14 Hands or Frontera, a division of Concha y Toro. And he also recommends two box wines for easy pouring – Black Box and Bota Box – both a great value.

Ca de Medici Lambusco

14 Hands Cabernet

Frontera Cabernet

Black Box

Bota Box

Menu #3

Caprese Bites

Asparagus Bundles

Pesto Shrimp Skewers

Limoncello Cupcakes

Mark is suggesting white wine with this upscale meal. All three of these offer a wonderful compliment to the menu….or, you might even choose Prosecco if you want a bit of the bubbly!

Louis Latour Pouille Fuisse

Bonnet White Bordeaux

Drouhin Chablis

There you have it, three different ways to tailgate! I’d love to know if you try any of the menus. If you want recipes please comment, leave me your email address and I’ll get them to you! Here’s to a great college and pro football season! We’re big “Dawg” fans in Georgia, but wherever you live, support your team and enjoy! It’s all about fun, spirit and having a great time together! Drink responsibly and be safe….wherever you’re having that party!