Drink Wine and Watch Football - Your Wine Guide for Euro 2024
It's only a few days left before the Euro 2024 tournament starts. People from all over the world will be watching the game with friends and family, cheering for their favorite team, players, or nations. Beer is usually the sports drink of choice, especially given that the games are taking place in Germany. But is wine and football an impossible match? Absolutely not! Today, we've prepared a guide for you to enjoy the month-long excitement of Euro 2024 with amazing wines!
Wines to Pair with Snacks When Watching Euro 2024
Watching a football (or soccer, depending on where you live) game is often accompanied by delicious snacks. Cold cuts and cheese, nuts, pizza, fried chicken, nachos, chips with guacamole or onion dip – these are the staples of any football-watching gathering. But what wines should you pair with these tasty treats?
For cold cuts, cheese and pizza, especially a pepperoni pizza, reach for a round, velvety Merlot or a vibrant Chianti. Red wines like Merlot or Chianti, with a fruity character, offer just the right balance of acidity and tannins to cut through the richness of meats and cheeses, with a medium body without being overpowered by the food. For something a bit different, try a Tempranillo. The famous Spanish wine brings a delightful blend of fruitiness and earthiness that pairs beautifully with a variety of charcuterie and cheese.
For deep-fried snacks, consider lighter, crisp white wines. Albariño, with its bright acidity and subtle saline notes, makes an excellent match for fried chicken, French fries, onion rings or nachos, refreshing the palate with every sip. Similarly, a German Riesling, known for its versatility and balance of sweetness and acidity, can handle the spice and saltiness of these snacks. Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc are also fantastic choices; their high acidity and fresh citrus notes can cut through the greasiness, making each bite and sip more enjoyable.
Wines for a Celebration Moment
Football and celebrations go hand in hand, especially when your team scores a goal or wins a match. Nothing captures the essence of celebration better than sparkling wine.
Prosecco, with its light, frothy bubbles and notes of pear, apple, and citrus, is a joyful wine perfect for spontaneous cheering. Its approachable sweetness and lightness make it a crowd-pleaser. For those looking for something a bit more refined, or you are a fan of England, English sparkling wine offers a complex flavor profile with notes of orchard fruits, brioche, and a crisp minerality, reflecting the burgeoning reputation of England's wine industry.
Of course, no celebration is complete without Champagne. Known for its elegance and prestige, Champagne combines rich flavors of toast, citrus, and almond with a fine mousse of bubbles. No matter the style, Champagne's effervescence and depth make every moment special, much like the thrilling highs of a football match.
If You Plan on Watching the Euro Championship in Germany…
If you are lucky enough to go to Germany and watch the game, try some German wines while in Germany! The beer country image is strong, but Germany is among the top 10 wine-producing countries in the world, home to some of the finest wines in the world.
Riesling and Pinot Noir
German Riesling is renowned worldwide for its incredible range and quality. From bone-dry to lusciously sweet, Riesling offers vibrant acidity, mineral undertones, and flavors of green apple, peach, and lime. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of foods, from sausages and pretzels to lighter fare like fish and salads, making it a versatile choice for a summer football game.
Pinot Noir (or Spätburgunder, as it's known in Germany) is another gem from Germany. German Pinot Noir may not be as famous as its counterparts in Burgundy, but it comes in various styles, offering an exquisite bouquet of red berries, earthy undertones, and a silky texture. Perfect for those who prefer red wine but want something that won't overwhelm the flavors of the food or the warm summer night.
Lesser-Known German Wines to Explore
While Riesling and Pinot Noir are the stars, Germany has a treasure trove of lesser-known wines worth exploring.
Sylvaner, with its subtle, herbaceous character and crisp acidity, is a fantastic white wine that pairs well with light appetizers and salads. Müller-Thurgau, a cross between Riesling and Madeleine Royale, produces wines that are aromatic and slightly floral with notes of green apple and citrus. It's an easy-drinking wine that works well with a variety of snacks and lighter dishes.
For red wine enthusiasts, Portugieser and Dornfelder are excellent options. Portugieser offers a light, fruity profile with soft tannins and a hint of spice, making it an easy-going wine for casual sipping. Dornfelder, on the other hand, is fuller-bodied with deep color and flavors of dark berries and plum. A wine that pairs well with heartier foods like grilled meats and hearty stews.
So, whether you're watching Euro 2024 from the comfort of your home or lucky enough to be in Germany, there's a wine that perfectly pairs with football. Cheers to an exciting tournament and delicious wine pairings!
Sylvia Ba
