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Best Wine With BBQ - Our 7 Favorites!
- Last Updated - 3/9/23
Quick Answer: Zinfandel, Shiraz, and Sauvignon Blanc are all excellent choices for pairing with BBQ dishes due to their flavor profiles. Zinfandel has bold fruit flavors that can balance the smokiness of the meat, while Shiraz has a peppery spice that can enhance the dish's savory notes. Sauvignon Blanc has a crisp acidity that can cut through the richness of the meat and complement the dish's lighter sides.
Barbecue (BBQ), the art of grilling meat over an open flame, is a popular pastime around the world. Whether you’re using a gas grill or a charcoal smoker, the flavors of the smoky, savory meat are irresistible.
But what about pairing wine with BBQ? Many people think of beer as the perfect accompaniment to a grilled meal. But wine can be just as satisfying, especially when it comes to big, bold, meaty flavors.
Table of Contents
Tips to Pair Wine With BBQ
- Match intensity: Bold, full-bodied red wines are great options for bold, smoky BBQ flavors. Similarly, if you’re grilling lighter meats such as fish or chicken, go for lighter-bodied wines.
- Consider the sauce: BBQ sauce can have a significant impact on the wine pairing. So if you’re using a sweet BBQ sauce, try pairing it with a fruity and full-bodied red wine. But if your sauce is more acidic, consider pairing it with a crisp white wine.
- Think about the cooking method: If you’re smoking or slow-cooking your meats, try pairing it with a medium-bodied wine with a strong fruit and earthy profile. And if you’re grilling your meat, try pairing it with a wine that has a higher acidity level.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment: At the end of the day, the best wine pairing is the one you enjoy the most. So don’t be afraid to try different wines with your BBQ, until you find the perfect match that suits your personal taste.
Most Popular BBQ Dishes in the US
Here are some of the most popular BBQ dishes that you can find around the world:
- Pulled Pork: One of the most popular BBQ dishes! It’s made by slow-cooking a pork shoulder until it becomes tender and falls apart. Then the meat is pulled apart into shreds and served with BBQ sauce (sometimes on a bun).
- Ribs: BBQ ribs can be made with beef or pork and are typically slow-cooked until they become tender and juicy. They can be served dry, with a dry rub seasoning, or wet, with a BBQ sauce glaze.
- Brisket: A classic BBQ dish, brisket is a tough cut of beef that is slow-cooked until it becomes tender and flavorful. It can be served sliced or chopped, and is often accompanied by BBQ sauce.
- Chicken: BBQ chicken can be made with a whole bird or individual pieces, such as drumsticks or thighs. And it’s typically seasoned with a dry rub and then grilled or smoked until cooked through.
- Sausages: BBQ sausages are a popular addition to any cookout. They can be made with beef, pork, or chicken and are often served with BBQ sauce or mustard.
- Corn on the Cob: A popular side dish at BBQs that’s cooked on the barbeque. And it’s often grilled or roasted until tender and then served with butter and salt.
- Baked Beans: A classic BBQ side dish, baked beans are often made with bacon, onion, and molasses. They are slow-cooked until the flavors meld together and are then served hot.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing side dish that pairs well with BBQ. It’s made with shredded cabbage and carrots, and dressed with a vinegar-based dressing.
- Potato Salad: Another classic BBQ side dish that goes great with meat. It’s made with boiled potatoes, mayonnaise, and a variety of seasonings (such as celery, onion, and dill).
- Mac and Cheese: A comfort food staple and my personal favorite side dish with BBQ.
Best Wines to Pair With BBQ
If you’re having BBQ, it’s likely that there will be more than one protein and multiple side dishes. So to ensure the perfect pairing for your entire meal of meats, vegetables and sides dishes alike, we recommend these incredible wines! Here are some of our go-to picks:
1) Zinfandel
Zinfandel is a bold, medium to full-bodied red wine with high tannin and acidity levels. And these qualities make it a great match for the bold, smoky, and spicy flavors of BBQ. The high tannin levels help accentuate the juiciness of the meats, while the acidity level balances the flavors of the BBQ sauce.
Zinfandel also has a high alcohol content, which imparts a sweet taste in the wine. And this pairs well with the sweetness of the BBQ sauce, while complementing the smoky flavors of the meat. It’s a versatile red wine that can pair well with a variety of BBQ dishes, from ribs and brisket to pulled pork and grilled chicken.
2) Syrah/Shiraz
Syrah or Shiraz is another bold red wine that complements the smoky flavors of BBQ. Its rich and fruity profile works well with bold flavors and spicy sauces.
Because the wine’s high tannin and acidity levels make it an excellent match for the rich and intense flavors of BBQ, especially when paired with meats like beef, lamb, or pork. Furthermore, the proteins in meat can soften tannins and bring out a smoother texture to your wine.
Shiraz is also known for its spicy notes, which can complement the spiciness of BBQ sauces or rubs. Additionally, it has a high alcohol content, that goes well with the sweetness of BBQ sauces.
Moreover, Shiraz is another versatile red wine that can pair well with a variety of BBQ dishes, from grilled steaks and ribs to slow-cooked brisket and pulled pork.
3) Malbec
Malbec is a medium to full-bodied red wine with medium to high tannin content that helps compliment the fat and richness of BBQ meats like beef, pork, and lamb. While the medium acidity level helps to balance the flavors of BBQ sauce.
Malbec’s flavor profile, which includes notes of blackberry, plum, and spice, also complements the meaty flavors of BBQ. It’s a wine that pairs particularly well with beef dishes, such as brisket or steak, but can also work with other types of BBQ meats.
4) Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red wine that pairs well with hearty BBQ dishes such as beef brisket, ribs, and pulled pork. Its high tannin content enhances the richness of the meat and complements the smoky BBQ flavors. While the proteins in the meat will help make the wine less astringent and even more enjoyable to drink.
Additionally, Cabernet Sauvignon’s flavor profile, which includes notes of blackcurrant, blackberry, black cherry, and vanilla, complements the smoky and savory flavors of BBQ. It’s a wine that pairs particularly well with grilled or smoked beef dishes, such as brisket or steak, but can also work with other types of BBQ meats like pork or lamb.
Moreover, Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine that’s often aged in oak barrels, which can add additional layers of complexity to its flavor profile, including notes of vanilla, spice, and tobacco.
5) Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a light-bodied red wine that pairs well with lighter BBQ meats such as chicken and fish. Its delicate fruit flavors and low tannin content make it a perfect match for lighter, milder flavors.
And the wine’s higher acidity level helps to cut through the richness of the meat and BBQ sauce, while its lighter body allows the flavors of the BBQ to shine through.
Additionally, Pinot Noir’s flavor profile, which includes notes of cherry, raspberry, and earthy undertones, the perfect accompaniment to smoky and savory BBQ flavors.. So it’s a wine that pairs particularly well with lighter meats like grilled chicken or pork, as well as dishes with a more subtle smokiness.
Moreover, Pinot Noir is a wine that’s often produced in regions with a cooler climate, like Burgundy in France or Oregon in the United States, which can make it a refreshing red wine choice for outdoor BBQ events during warmer months.
6) Chardonnay
Chardonnay can be a good wine pairing for BBQ side dishes, especially those that are creamy or buttery. For example, Chardonnay can complement the richness of macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, or creamy coleslaw.
Chardonnay’s oak-influenced flavors of vanilla, butter, and toast can also pair well with grilled or roasted vegetables, such as corn on the cob or roasted sweet potatoes. Its acidity level can also complement the acidity of tomato-based BBQ sauces or vinegar-based side dishes like BBQ baked beans or potato salad.
7) Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp and acidic white wine that pairs well with tangy and acidic BBQ sauces. And its acidity level helps cut through the fattiness of the meat while the BBQ sauce will bring out the fruitiness and sweetness of the wines.
Additionally, Sauvignon Blanc’s flavor profile, which includes notes of citrus, green apple, and tropical fruit, can complement the flavors of BBQ side dishes like grilled vegetables or green salads. Its herbaceous and grassy undertones can also complement the smoky flavors of BBQ and its accompanying spices.
Moreover, Sauvignon Blanc should be served chilled, which can make it a refreshing choice for outdoor BBQ events during warmer months. Its lightness and acidity can also make it a good wine to pair with lighter meats like grilled fish or chicken.
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