Feel that? Yeah, boy. It’s almost here. The summer season is peaking around the corner with that come-hither look!
When the season rolls around and the BBQ grill gets fired up, nothing complements those smoky, savory flavors quite like the perfect glass of wine. Yeah. I know. Beer and Claw are often the go-to beverages of choice, but if you want to really level up your barbecue dishes, wine is the ticket.
Whether you’re grilling juicy steaks, tender chicken, or fresh vegetables, the right wine can take your BBQ experience to new heights. Here’s a helpful guide to the best wines to pair with your summer BBQ, ensuring every bite and sip is a harmonious delight.
- Zinfandel: A Classic BBQ Companion
Zinfandel, with its bold, fruity profile and peppery finish, is a fantastic match for grilled meats. Its high acidity and robust tannins stand up well to the rich, smoky flavors of BBQ ribs, burgers, and steaks. Look for a California Zinfandel, which often features notes of black cherry, raspberry, and spice, making it an excellent partner for sweet and tangy BBQ sauces.
Some barbecue pairings I recommend:
- BBQ Ribs with a tangy sauce
- Grilled Sausages
- Spicy Burgers
- Malbec: The Smoky Charmer
Malbec, particularly from Argentina, offers deep flavors of dark fruit, plum, and chocolate with a hint of smokiness, making it a great match for BBQ. Its velvety texture and moderate tannins complement grilled meats, especially beef and lamb, without overpowering them.
Recommended pairings? Try these:
- Grilled Skirt Steak
- Lamb Chops
- Smoky BBQ Chicken
- Rosé: The Versatile Refresher
If you’re skipping on the rosé wine because it’s pink, are you missing out. Rosé wines are incredibly versatile and can pair with a wide range of BBQ dishes. Their bright acidity and subtle fruitiness make them perfect for lighter grilled fare, like chicken, seafood, and vegetables. Dry rosés from Provence or Spain are particularly good choices.
When it comes to summertime barbecue, I recommended the following pairings:
- Grilled Chicken with Herbs
- BBQ Shrimp
- Vegetable Kebabs
- Chardonnay: The Rich and Buttery Choice
If you’re more of a white wine kind of person, a lightly oaked Chardonnay is a great option. Its rich, buttery texture and flavors of apple, pear, and vanilla complement grilled chicken, pork, and creamy BBQ sides. A word of advice – avoid heavily oaked Chardonnays, as they can overpower the delicate flavors of grilled foods.
Here are some great Chardonnay pairings that I like:
- Grilled Pork Chops
- Chicken with Creamy Sauces
- Corn on the Cob with Butter
- Sauvignon Blanc: The Crisp Companion
Sauvignon Blanc, with its crisp acidity and notes of citrus, green apple, and herbs, pairs wonderfully with grilled seafood and vegetables. Its refreshing qualities make it ideal for hot summer days and lighter BBQ dishes.
If you want some recommended pairings, here are a few:
- Grilled Fish Tacos
- Asparagus
- Zucchini and Squash
- Syrah/Shiraz: The Spicy Partner
Syrah (or Shiraz in Australia) offers bold flavors of dark fruit, black pepper, and smoky bacon, making it a stellar match for heavily seasoned and spicy BBQ dishes. Its full-bodied nature complements the rich, charred flavors of grilled lamb and beef.
Here are some dishes that will help you get the most out of this wine:
- Spicy Grilled Lamb
- Beef Brisket
- BBQ Pork Ribs
Tips for the Perfect BBQ and Wine Pairing
- Match Intensity: Ensure the wine’s intensity matches the dish. Bold wines go well with rich, heavily seasoned meats, while lighter wines pair better with delicate flavors.
- Consider the Sauce: The BBQ sauce can significantly impact the pairing. Sweet sauces pair well with fruity wines, while spicy sauces are best matched with wines that have good acidity and tannins.
- Chill Your Reds: Lightly chill red wines (about 15-20 minutes in the fridge) to enhance their refreshing qualities on a hot summer day.
Sure. Enjoy that IPA or White Claw during your summer cookouts. But if you want to have an elevated experience, get the right wine to pair with your summertime feast.
Selecting the right wine for your summer BBQ can transform your meal. Whether you prefer red, white, or rosé, there’s a perfect wine out there to complement your grilled creations. Let’s toast to sunny weather, great food, excellent wine, and unforgettable moments!