Barbecue season is here. That means good food and good company. It also means finding the perfect wine.
Pairing wine with barbecue can feel tricky. All those smoky, savory flavors need the right match. Don't worry: I'm here to help you find the best wines for your next cookout.
Wine for Burgers
Burgers are a barbecue staple. A juicy burger calls for a wine with some oomph. Think California Zinfandel.
Zinfandel's ripe fruit and spice notes complement the beef. Look for one that isn't too high in alcohol. You want it to be refreshing, not overwhelming.
Another great option is Côtes du Rhône. These blends from France offer earthy notes and red fruit. They won't clash with your burger's toppings.
Ribs and Rosé
Ribs are rich and often sweet. You need a wine that can cut through the fat. Dry rosé is a surprisingly good choice.
A rosé from Provence is a classic pairing. It's crisp, dry, and has subtle fruit flavors. It won't overpower the ribs.
For bolder ribs, try a rosé from Spain (Rioja or Navarra). These rosés have more structure and fruit. They can stand up to smoky flavors.
Chicken off the Grill
Grilled chicken is versatile. The wine pairing depends on how you season it. For simple grilled chicken, try Vermentino.
Vermentino is a white grape from Sardinia. It's bright, citrusy, and has a hint of salinity. It's perfect with lemon-herb chicken.
If your chicken has a spicy rub, consider off-dry Riesling. The sweetness in the Riesling will balance the spice. Look for one from Alsace or Germany.
Seafood on the Barbie
Don't forget about seafood. Grilled shrimp or fish can be delicious. Sauvignon Blanc is a reliable choice.
Sauvignon Blanc's grassy notes and acidity pair well with seafood. A Sancerre from the Loire Valley is a great option.
For richer fish like salmon, try oaked Chardonnay. The oak adds a layer of complexity. A California Chardonnay will work well.
Steaks and Cabernet
Steak is a classic barbecue choice. A bold steak needs a bold wine. Napa Cabernet Sauvignon is the obvious choice.
Cabernet Sauvignon's tannins and dark fruit flavors complement the steak. Let the wine breathe for at least 30 minutes before serving.
If you want something different, try Malbec from Argentina. Malbec is fruit-forward and has a smoky character. It’s a great value option.
Sausage Pairings
Sausages come in many varieties. The wine pairing depends on the sausage. For Italian sausage, try Chianti Classico.
Chianti's acidity and cherry flavors cut through the sausage's richness. The earthy notes also complement the herbs.
For spicier sausages, consider Beaujolais. Beaujolais is light-bodied and fruity. It won't compete with the spice.
Lamb and Wine
Grilled lamb chops are a treat. I often pair them with Northern Rhône Syrah.
Syrah's peppery notes and dark fruit flavors complement the lamb. The tannins are firm but not overpowering.
Another good option is Rioja Gran Reserva. Rioja's earthy and savory notes pair well with lamb. The tannins are softened by aging.
Veggie Burgers and Wine
Veggie burgers are becoming more popular. They need a wine that's not too heavy. Pinot Noir is a versatile choice.
Pinot Noir's red fruit and earthy notes complement veggie burgers. A Pinot Noir from Oregon or Burgundy will work well.
Another option is Gamay. Gamay is light-bodied and fruity. It's a refreshing choice for a warm day.
Dessert Wines
Don't forget about dessert. A sweet wine can be a perfect ending to a barbecue. Moscato d'Asti is a classic choice.
Moscato d'Asti is lightly sparkling and sweet. It pairs well with fruit desserts.
For chocolate desserts, try Tawny Port. Tawny Port has nutty and caramel flavors. It complements chocolate beautifully.
General Tips for Barbecue Wine
Keep these tips in mind when choosing wine for your barbecue:
- Consider the sauce. Sweet sauces need wines with some sweetness. Spicy sauces need wines that can handle the heat.
- Don't be afraid to experiment. The best pairing is the one you enjoy the most.
- Serve the wine at the right temperature. Red wines should be slightly chilled. White and rosé wines should be well-chilled.
- Have a variety of wines on hand. This will allow your guests to choose what they like.
- Don't overthink it. Barbecue is about having fun. The wine should be too.
Best places to buy
- Wine Society – Great value and selection.
- Naked Wines – Discover independent winemakers.
- Virgin Wines – Wine delivered to your door.
- Amazon – Convenient and reliable.
