The Best Wines for March Madness
Your guide to the best wines for March Madness so that wine drinkers can have a little fun, too.
We all know that beer is the go-to when it comes to watching a good basketball game. But, wine can also be a championship pick for those who aren’t looking for something malty and bubbly. For March Madness, a high-energy, exciting sports event, you want wines that are easy-drinking and crowd-pleasing. And, for those who are as food-obsessed as we are, you want something to sip that goes easily with all those delicious and different game-day snacks. We put together a quick guide to ensure you have a winning beverage for every game.
The Best Wines for March Madness
Let’s go!
Light and Refreshing Whites
Beer is the usual pick for March Madness because of one thing – it’s refreshing. Fortunately, there are plenty of zippy white wines that can give you just that fix. Sauvignon Blanc is extra crisp, refreshing, and versatile. Its citrus and orchard fruit flavors pair exceptionally well with all sorts of snacks like chips and dip, chicken wings, and seafood appetizers. If you’re looking to go Italian, Pinot Grigio is never another light and easy-drinking option. It’s light and easy, great for sipping while enjoying a day of game excitement.
Fruity Reds
Pizza lovers – this March Madness wine is for you. With its soft tannins and red fruit flavors, Pinot Noir is a crowd-pleaser that can complement classic game-day foods like a cheesy margherita pizza. Think Pinot Noir with its delicate earthiness (especially for those who love oregano on their pizza), Merlot with its approachability, or even a Grenache. Slightly more full-bodied fruity reds are great matches for sliders and more meatier snacks, like Barbera. And, there’s no shame in sipping a bold Cabernet Sauvignon during a game, especially if there are juicy homemade burgers around.
A Breezy Rosé
With Spring sneaking around the corner, a bottle of rosé wine is a fabulous way to celebrate the warmer weather. Rosé is also one of the best wines for March Madness, a middle ground between red and white wines that pleases many. It is oh so easygoing and usually has a vibrant acidity that goes seamlessly with the cheesiest game-day snacks. It also comes in many styles, with a world of flavor profiles to discover. You can go for a classic Provencal rosé or Italian rosato. Our pro tip: check out if your favorite winery produces a rosé (chances are – they do!)
Sparkling Wines
When it comes to the best wines for March Madness, bubbles are always the answer. Sparkling wine sets the tone for celebration during any game-day get-together. You don’t need it for the victories, but there is nothing like a crisp glass of Champagne to celebrate your favorite team winning. You can also go Italian with the more fruity Prosecco or something unique, like the HAQ Spumante Brut. Or, Spanish with Cava, which varies in style. That’s also the beauty of sparkling wines – how versatile they are! Sparkling wines come in varying levels of dryness, with something for everyone. Plus, all of them work great with a good cheeseboard.
Sweet and Spicy Whites
Pairing wine with buffalo wings or spicy dip may not seem like the best idea. But, you will be surprised – sweet wines can make the best wines for March Madness. There’s a world of off-dry and sweet wines to explore to pair with your favorite spicy foods. Take an off-dry or sweet riesling with its slight sweetness and acidity. This wine can balance out the heat of zesty game day snacks like jalapeño poppers. It’s also a great match for dishes with a hint of sweetness, such as honey-glazed ham or teriyaki-glazed wings.
Do you find a wine to complement your game day festivities? We surely hope so – March Madness is a high-energy event and you need just the right wine to pair with all the well madness! With these best wines for March Madness, you can head to the wine shop or Domenico Winery to find just the bottles to pair with all your game-day affairs. The Domenico team is there to help you pick something you and all your friends will love, and to help you with game-day food pairings too!
