Fabulous Fridays: Score A Touchdown By Pairing Chili and Wine

Michael traditionally makes a mean chili. It's become a Super Bowl tradition.

And the odds are high we'll be snacking the night away with everyone else on chicken wings, chips and dip and pizza rolls as the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts battle it out during Super Bowl 44 in Miami Sunday night.

While I realize beer generally come to mind for these sort of occasion, we'll be sipping some vino.

What is it about chicken wings and beer?

I asked my fabulous friend, author of The Ski House Cookbook and food blogger Tina what are some great pairings.

"You might be surprised to find out that slightly sweet wines pair well with spicy foods, so a 12-pack may not be the best choice," Tina said.

So if you're like me and like your grapes over your hops, here are a few ideas from Tina to that can help you uncork a bottle of wine while enjoying traditional game day snacks:

Potato Chips - Pinot Gris or Prosecco
Buttered Popcorn - Chardonnay or Prosecco
Chips & Salsa - for mild salsa a Chardonnay or Sangiovese (Chianti); for spicy salsa an off-dry Riesling
Chips and Guacamole - Chardonnay
Veggie Tray - Sauvignon Blanc
Pizza - depends on the toppings but Chardonnay for cheese, Pinto Noir for mushrooms or Sangiovese (Chianti) or Barbera for meat
Ribs (with BBQ sauce) - off dry Riesling or Zinfandel
BBQ dishes - fruity Rosé

Wings - Prosecco, off dry Riesling, Albariño
Chili - if it's really spicy: an off-dry Riesling, mild chili: Zinfandel

And in honor of The Saints and Jazzfest, you might want to try a food icon from the Crescent City, Crawfish Monica. It's mind-blowing delicious. Trust me. If you go for this decadent meal, I would pair it with a dry white wine.

Always remember, trying to match wine with signature Superbowl feasts there are always exceptions as not all recipes are the same and not all wines are the same.

And to celebrate along with the winner (com' on Saints - WHO 'DAT!) Tina said to pop open Champagne or a sparkling wine like a Cava or Prosecco). But if you're lucky enough to be in Miami for the game, why not go for a Cuba Libre or Mojito.

Whether you are rooting for The Saints or The Colts, you'll score a touchdown with these great pairing.

Kickoff is 6:25 on CBS.

Have a fabulous weekend.