OK. We’re all adults here, but really, who doesn’t love a good board game? And what better way to enhance an enthralling game night with friends than a bottle (or few) of wine? Certain games just have us feelin’ some type of way; think, the mysteriousness of Clue, the classiness of Chess, the intellectuality around Scrabble — you get it. After a long week of work, some weekends just call for a night in with friends and a pair of your decade-old stretchy pants (preferably the ones without the holes in them, but hey, we’re not judging.) Here are some perfect pairings for classic board game picks for your next game night in with friends:
Clue – Red Blend from Washington State
Because what screams mystery more than a kitchen-sink blend from Washington? With red blends from the state, anything goes, though it’s safe to assume that the wine will be bursting with an assemblage of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, and maybe even a little Petit Verdot or Cabernet Franc in there. The wines are a mystery in themselves, kind of like the one you’ll be solving while simultaneously sipping, though are generally smooth and velvety, with dark red fruit flavors and brimming with sensuality. Just like Miss Scarlet with the candlestick.
Monopoly- Big name California Cabernet
Dominant, powerful, money driven — could there be a more perfect pairing than Monopoly and a big name California Cab? Some of our favorites include Caymus Special Select and Jordan, but be ready to fork over a hefty sum for a bottle of one of these. If you haven’t tasted one of these better- known bottles, it’s definitely an experience to savor at least once in your lifetime, and what better way than surrounded by friends? Now if only that rainbow money could actually be used to pay for one of those bottles.
Scrabble- Falanghina or Fiano from Campania
Word geek, wine geek, same thing right? Playing Scrabble requires some serious thinking outside the box, so why not spring for a lesser-known varietal that you maybe haven’t tried yet? The citrusy aromas and stone-fruit flavors of Falanghina are perfectly suited without food, while slightly fuller- bodied Fianos provide an interesting palate of honeyed nuttiness. Point being, take this opportunity to geek out a little in both your wine and word selections.
Chess- Chardonnay from Burgundy
Because what’s classier than a traditional white Burgundy? Though Chardonnay is produced all over the world, the grape truly shines in its place of origin. While high-end bottles of white Burgs can go for hundreds, there are plenty of affordable options coming out of the region. Look for bottles that say Macon Villages or Pouilly Fuisse for some less expensive options. King of Chardonnay, King of the Chessboard. Stay classy, friends.
Twister- Natural Wine
What do Twister and natural wine have in common? They’re both unpredictable and funky as hell. You never know what you’re gonna get with Twister and the same often goes for natural wines. With natural wine, anything goes; a winemaker could choose to use some unknown, freak varietal of a grape that no one’s heard of or, on the other hand, take the most traditional grapes out there and vinify them in a way that’s basically unheard of for the varietal (think carbonically macerated Syrah. What? Try it.) Without the addition of sulfites, the wines can be cloudy, slightly fizzy, and totally raunchy in the best possible way. Kind of like you while playing Twister. Am I right?
