2023 March Madness selection day is coming up this Sunday, March 12^th.  It’s time to get your brackets ready and plan you game night viewing parties now! Maybe it’s the long winter, but I am beyond bursting at the seams for springtime fun and entertaining.  I will use any excuse to host a get together and while I do not really follow basketball any other time of year, I have always been a fan of March Madness. So, this year I am hosting a few game nights and  throwing down some slam dunk snack food and white wine pairings.  This is the perfect opportunity to scratch that entertaining itch while exploring a variety of “spring” wines and determine which will become the “final four” that I stock my cellar with for the upcoming brunch season.

Slam Dunk Wine & Food Pairings

Spicy Wings + Vidal Blanc

I am a sucker for hot wings.  Honestly, I have happily made a meal out of a plate of wings on more than one occasion. I prefer to bake my wings for a perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside delight.  I really like the recipe for hot and spicy wings from Gimme Delicious Hot and Spicy Wings they are flavorful, crisp and pack the heat.  These spicy little numbers pair wonderfully with Vidal Blanc. One to try is Cana Vineyards Rhapsody in White.  The bright acidity of this wine balances the richness of the crispy chicken skin and buttery goodness in the sauce while the slight sweetness harmonizes the spicy heat. 

Mini Corn Dogs + Sauvignon Blanc

Corn dogs are delicious and a crowd pleaser. The savory crispy cornmeal outside with the umami of a juicy frankfurter inside is a culinary delight in and of itself.  What could make it better? Pairing with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc of course!  I like to bake up a tray of mini corn dogs for parties for an easy finger food and pair with one of my favorite SB’s, from St. Supery.

Fried Mac n Cheese + Viognier

Viognier pairs well with semi-soft cheeses such as Comte, Gruyere and Emmenthal.  So, it stands to reason it also pairs swimmingly with mac n cheese.  Add a crispy buttery coating (like this recipe from Southern Living Fried Mac n Cheese Bites) along with Dubost Winery Alexandrine from Dubost Wines and my friends you have a heavenly pairing!

Potato Chips + Champagne

The absolute easiest and possibly most addicting pairing is classic salty potato chips and Champagne.  This is a o fuss, no muss winner. Just pop the cork, open the bag and savor the blissful combination.  If you want to take it up a notice procure a bag of Truffle Potato Chips such as Torres or Kettle Brand and be fancy like that. Or go all out and splurge on a bottle of Schramsberg J. Schram Blancs as well as crème fraiche and caviar to top your chips.

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