Wines for gillin & chillin

Grab your charcoal and your corkscrew, grilling season is here. A common question that I get asked is: "What should I pair with BBQ and grilled foods?"

Wines for Ribs and Other Grilled Meats
A great choice is a rich, fruity, red Zinfandel. You need a wine whose structure is bold enough to stand up to various types of meats. A Zinfandel works well with barbeque sauce, steak sauce and mild salsas if there is too much spice in the sauce the two will compete and both the wine and the sauce end up tasting flat. The smokey flavors from the grill allow the red Zinfandel’s black pepper spice, acidity and ripe tannins to work with the fats in the meats. Smoky foods need stronger wines that stand up to their powerful flavors. Merlot are usually fruity and rich sometimes with a little spicy. They are also a good choice with ribs and other grilled meats. A Cabernet is a great choice for a steak or chop. Wine and food should compliment rather than dominate each other. Think of wine like a condiment. Moderately spicy and highly seasoned foods pair best with fruity, low tannin and lower alcohol-content wines (Riesling).

Wines for grilled veggies
If the vegetables are served solo, pair them with a dry but fruity rosé. The hint of red fruit will match the grill marks without overpowering the more delicate flavors of the veggies. If serving grilled vegetables as an accompaniment, match the wine to the meat, fish or poultry part of the meal.
Here are a few other options that might fit your favorite wine.

Chardonnay work wonderfully with grilled fish and chicken with creamy sauces, and grilled corn on the cob with lots of butter! Butter is the key here to match the Chardonnay.

Riesling would be a great choice for grilled brats, shrimp, barbecue chicken, grilled pineapple and a variety of grilled veggies.

Sauvignon Blanc for example, grilled chicken that has been doused in Italian dressing or a citrus marinade will be unbeatable with a Sauvignon Blanc. Likewise, roasted peppers, veggies in fresh herbs, grilled fish with dill and lemon would be right at home with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.

Pinot Noir is flexible varietal that is known for being extremely food-friendly. A Pinot Noir can go with grilled fish to a juicy burger. Pinot Noir is an ideal candidate for grilled fish – especially salmon. If you aren’t sure if what wine will work with your grilled dinner, Pinot Noir will likely be your best bet.

Cheers!