Wine and BBQ? Yes, Please!
Picnic in the park, or BBQ on your back deck. Wine and BBQ can be enjoyed anywhere.
When you think BBQ, naturally beer comes to mind. And while we love beer, there is something to be said about wine. We are no wine sommelier, but one can appreciate wine from time to time. Most people know the basics, red meat means red wine. While white wine best pairs with chicken, and fish. That being said, we are willing to break some rules if you are. Let’s see how to make wine and BBQ work.
General Challenges
It’s not actually the meat to consider, but the sauce or rub you are using. These will be the most dominant flavors and therefore change the taste of your wine. If you have a sweet flavoring, this can cause the wine to taste a bit bland. If you add a spicy sauce to your meat, wine can actually make it spicier and make the wine taste bad. Salt helps decrease the acidity and bitterness of wine. Although acidity in foods is usually good with wine, make sure that you don’t over salt. This can cause the wine to taste flat.
Now that you understand the challenges of wine and BBQ, don’t get discouraged. At Chad’s, we love challenges and know our fellow grill masters do too. The grill allows for such a variety of flavors; there is wine for any meal.
Wine to Consider
So, what wine does work with BBQ? Well, there are a few choices. Here are some benefits to each:
- Sparkling Wine: Pass the bubbly, please! This is actually not a bad option for summer or almost any grilled food. Stick with light-bodied bubblies to beat the heat.
- White Wine: Fish and chicken are the apparent pairings, but some pork recipes can work too. Think Sauvignon Blanc or a white Burgundy for blackened meat or spice rubs.
- Rose: Perfect summer wine for anything outdoors. Since these wines have more acidity than whites, serve with meat recipes with less salt. Serve cooled of course.
- Red Wine: Who says you can’t have red wine in the summer? Not us. Go with a Bordeaux or Cabernet for steaks, ribs, and beef recipes. Think Pinot Noir for pork (or even salmon), especially if smoked.
No matter what you decide, have fun! Wine, like BBQ, is there to experiment with. Wine and BBQ are successful when enjoyed with friends. And when in doubt, keep it simple. Pick wines you love and fit the casualness of outdoor dining. Have any suggestions of your own? Let us know on Facebook!
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