Summertime is synonymous with barbecues, get-togethers, and outdoor dining. What better way to enjoy the warm weather than cooking some delicious grilled food and pairing it with a glass of excellent wine? Grilled food and wine are a match made in heaven. It doesn't matter if you're grilling up chicken, steak, or vegetables - there's a wine out there that will perfectly complement your meal.
The combination of smoky, charred flavors from the grill with the fruity, acidic notes of good wine is simply irresistible. People who love to entertain will want to know the best wines to serve with different grilled foods. From light and fruity whites to robust reds, this blog post will introduce you to some delectable wine pairings that are perfect for BBQ season. So, fire up the grill, invite your friends over, and enjoy!
Muscadine wine with Grilled Vegetables
Muscadine wine is a type of white wine made from muscadine grapes. These grapes are native to the southeastern United States, and they give muscadine wine a unique flavor profile. This wine is slightly sweet with honeysuckle, pear, and melon notes. It pairs well with grilled vegetables, especially ones that have been brushed with a sweet glaze or marinade.
The sweetness of the wine enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables, making for a delicious and harmonious pairing. You can buy muscadine wine online or at many stores that sell specialty wines. Muscadine wine is an excellent choice for entertaining because it is easy to find in the US. So next time you're grilling up some veggies, give muscadine wine a try!
Sauvignon Blanc with Grilled Chicken
Chicken and wine are classic pairings, but choosing the right wine for your dish can be tricky. If you're planning to grill chicken, a light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc is an excellent choice. The Sauvignon Blanc grape is a green-skinned variety from the Bordeaux region of France that originated in 1855. It is now grown worldwide, including in New Zealand, Chile, and California. Sauvignon Blanc wines are typically light-bodied with high acidity.
They often have grassy, herbal, or citrusy flavors with a touch of minerality. The bright acidity of Sauvignon Blanc helps to cut through the richness of chicken, making it the perfect foil for oily or fatty dishes. Plus, the herbal notes in Sauvignon Blanc can really bring out the flavor of grilled herbs and spices. Reach for a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc the next time you fire up the barbecue and enjoy!
Merlot with Grilled Steak
Merlot is a wine that originated in the Bordeaux region of France. It is made from the black Merlot grape and is often blended with other wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Merlot has a medium body and is known for its soft, velvety texture and is often described as having blackberry, plum, and chocolate flavors. Merlot pairs well with grilled steak, roasted chicken, and pasta dishes.
When choosing a Merlot to pair with steak, look for one with good acidity and moderate tannins. A light-bodied Merlot with little oak aging will complement the flavor of the steak without overwhelming it. Choose a medium-bodied Merlot with some oak aging for a more robust flavor. The tannins in the wine will aid in balancing out the fat in the steak, and the tastes will work well together.
Pinot Noir with Grilled Salmon
Pinot Noir is a red wine grape that is grown in cool climates worldwide. It is a finicky grape, and it isn't easy to grow. But the effort is worth it, as Pinot Noir wines are some of the most delicious in the world. They are light-bodied with delicate flavors of cherry, strawberry, and spice. Pinot Noir pairs well with various foods. But if you're looking for a classic combination, you can't go wrong with Pinot Noir and grilled salmon.
The light body and delicate flavor of Pinot Noir complement the richness of grilled salmon perfectly. And because it's not a heavy wine, it won't overpower the delicate flavors of the fish. So, if you're looking for a foolproof pairing for your next BBQ, give Pinot Noir and grilled salmon a try. You won't be disappointed.
Zinfandel with Grilled Sausage
Zinfandel is a red wine grape that is native to Croatia. It is now grown all over the world, including in California. Zinfandel wines are typically high in alcohol and have blackberry, plum, and spice flavors. They can be very dry or quite sweet, depending on the style of wine. If you're looking for the perfect summertime meal, look no further than zinfandel with grilled sausage. The bold, fruity flavors of zinfandel pair perfectly with the smoky, char-grilled taste of sausage.
There's also no need to search for the ideal recipe; simply grill your sausage to your preferred degree of doneness and serve it with a nice bottle of zinfandel. This classic combination will appeal to you whether you're having a quiet night at home or hosting a backyard barbecue. So, grab a sausage and pop open a bottle of zin - it's time to enjoy the taste of summer!
Chardonnay with Grilled Salmon
Grilled Salmon goes well with a wide range of wines, making it one of the most versatile on our list. In general, you want to look for a white wine with good acidity to help balance out the oily richness of the salmon. Chardonnay is a great option, especially if it has undergone partial or full malolactic fermentation, which gives it a creamy texture.
This texture helps to pair it nicely with the fish. Grilling adds a bit of smokiness to the salmon, so you might also want to look for a wine with some oak aging, which will help round out the flavors. Whatever you choose, make sure to serve the wine slightly chilled so that it doesn't overwhelm the delicate flavors of the salmon.
Riesling with Grilled Chicken
A Riesling is an excellent choice for grilled chicken. It's a light wine with just enough acidity to stand up to the char of the grill. And it has enough sweetness to balance out the smoky flavors of the chicken. Plus, Rieslings are usually pretty affordable, so you can buy a couple of bottles without breaking the bank. Consider reaching for a Riesling the next time you fire up the barbecue grill. Your taste buds will thank you.
Conclusion
Grilled foods are a summer staple, and what's better than enjoying good food with family and friends? While there are endless possibilities for wine pairings with grilled foods, we've chosen our top favorites to help get you started. Whether you are grilling burgers and hot dogs, smoking ribs or brisket, or grilling some seafood, these wine pairings will go great with your meal. So, gather your friends and fire up the grill – it's time to enjoy some delicious barbecue!
