Wines to Pair with Burgers & Dogs 750 ml

It’s estimated that the US loses $4 billion in productivity due to the post-Super Bowl, um, we’ll say absenteeism. There’s a movement afoot to make the Monday after the big game a holiday, but until that day comes, we say don’t let that productivity perish in vain. 

The best way to do that is by savoring every sip we take on Super Bowl Sunday—which means having perfect pairings at the ready.

We’ve all got ‘em: football friends who pride themselves on being too salt-of-the-earth to partake in a craft beer, let alone engage with the highbrow wine world. But we firmly believe that once our blue-collar buddies have a juicy burger or hot dog followed by a Napa red or a humble-yet-complex Côtes-du-Rhône, they’ll never go back to Natural Light.

A Hermitage Icon's Côtes-du-Rhône

2017 Paul Jaboulet Aîné Secret de Famille Côtes-du-Rhône

From 35-year-old vines, the first sip of this Rhône red had our minds swirling with top AOCs that go for twice as much. A beautiful bottle from a Northern Rhône Icon.

Tasting Note: Showing a medium ruby color with a dense core. Bold aromas of black raspberry, wild strawberry, garrigue, cracked peppercorn, fennel, and smoked meat rise from the glass. On entry the wine is fruit-forward, but the flavors of red and black fruits evolve towards savory smoke, dried herbs, and spice. Chewy tannins and a warming finish give this medium-bodied wine textural layers that make it stand out from more basic Côtes-du-Rhône, delivering great value for the money. Drink now - 2025.

Stunning Uco Valley Discovery

2018 Almarada Malbec Uco Valley Mendoza

Rarely found outside Argentina, the 2018 Antonio Mas Almarada Malbec offers off-the-charts New World quality—the kind of wine we drink down, then repeat.

Tasting Note: A lush and generous 2018 Malbec coming out of the famed Uco Valley. Inviting and playful in the glass, it’s driven by a magenta core. Aromas led by steeped violets, wet rocks, and crayon are rounded by a handful of mint. In the palate, a muscular and well-rounded dose of farmers market blackberry is complemented by a dose of minerals and cocoa resolving in elegant tannins. Drink now - 2026.

Rare Bottle From Legend Aaron Pott

2017 Blackbird Vineyards Arise Red Wine Napa Valley

Legendary winemaker Aaron Pott, a Wine Access member favorite, cut his teeth at Napa favorites like Quintessa and Newton as well as St.-Émilion classics like Château La Tour Figeac.

Tasting Note: Deep purple core with a bright ruby undertone. This wine packs all the goods starting with freshly picked flowers, sun-kissed blackberry, and dark cocoa. The mouthfeel is elegant and rich with a stern tannic structure adorned with black plum, freshly roasted espresso, and spice. Lots of finesse in this broad-shouldered blend. Drink now - 2040.

This Member-Favorite Rioja Just Got Better

2015 Cune Rioja Reserva Spain

Cune is the only Spanish winery to ever receive Wine Spectator’s coveted Wine of the Year award and, with a symphony of critical praise, today’s 2015 Reserva delivers exemplary pedigree and value. 

Tasting Note: Dark ruby center with bright ruby-pink tones at the rim. The nose smells fresh and alive with dark raspberry, black cherry, and rose petal aromatics. Cedar plank, thyme, rosemary, and licorice enter the backdrop, while vanilla and tan tobacco interplay with the fruit. The palate is mouthwatering and bright, with slightly grippy tannins that lengthen and become supple after 30 minutes of air. There is breadth and volume, alongside a general sense of harmony within its flavor and texture components, as the long finish keeps offering its savory spices and licorice for minutes. Drink now - 2033.