This is one of my favorite times during the year: football playoffs.  The excitement rises as we move through the preliminaries on our way to “the Big Game.”  I’m watching & waiting to see if a “Cindarella” team emerges toward the end.  Right now, that would be the NY Jets.  As an aside, the Cardinals should give the Saints all that they can handle, especially if Boldin and Rogers-Cromartie are back. 

Watching these games on a big screen is just an invitation for friends, food, wine and beer.  That being the case and never to ignore the opportunity for food and wine, we got together with some friends last weekend to watch the Cards (what a game!!).  Here’s what we cobbled together.

Cold veggie platter with a southwest spinach dip, courtesy of AJ’s (www.ajsfinefoods.com)
Cherry tomato, mozzarella and basil platter (courtesy of our friends)
Spicy bean dip

Wine to Pair: Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand, 2008:
 
Another vintage, another outstanding wine, it seems, from this producer.  Brisk aromas of lime, grapefruit, and passion fruit add a zesty acidity.  Classic wet stone and grass scents liven up the wine as it finishes squeaky clean.  This was a perfect match for the veggies and dip.  If you enjoy these wines, the production level (nearly 175,000 cases) and pricing will allow you to pick it up by the cartful……~$15

Mussels (from AJ’s) steamed in a lemon, white wine broth (yes…to die for)

Wine to Pair: Joseph Drouhin Premier Cru Chablis, 2007:

I’ve highlighted this wine in the past but its just so perfect here, that I need to recount it.  This wine screams to be paired with shellfish and this was it!
The wine is crisp yet well rounded with apple, peach and stony aromas and finishes clean.  It should run you $30, give or take a few.

Homemade spicy chili made with ground beef, spiced pork sausage, jalapenos, canned plum tomatoes, tomato paste and lots and lots of seasonings.  This dish begged for a Zin and Shiraz so we accommodated.

Wines to Pair: Hartford Russian River Valley Zinfandel, 2005:

Not a blockbuster wine, but perfect for a late Sunday afternoon pairing.  Lots of dark raspberry and minerality with light to moderate tannins.  Nice and juicy and worked well with the chili.  Runs around $30

Schild Estate Shiraz, 2006:

This Aussie wine was a bit softer than I had expected.  Still, it was rich in sweet deep plum flavors with a hint of oak and a lingering finish.  The ’06 runs in the mid $20 but even a better deal may be had with the ’07.  While I have yet to taste it, reports are that it is brings a more full textured wine to your glass with lots of rich deep dark fruit and spices and runs only in the low $20’s.  I’ll report on it when I taste it.

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Tags: AJ's Fine Foods