BBQ season is still going strong, so there’s lots of time to wine and dine with some tasty grilled goodness. The bold, smoky flavours of BBQ pairs with a variety of wines. But where to start? Check out our quick guide to combining popular grilled dishes with different grape varietals (and some product suggestions to find in stores).
Hamburgers and Hot Dogs
Who doesn’t love a classic? Line your grill with burgers and dogs which both taste great with rich rosés, or a medium-bodied Pinot Noir or Malbec. Try topping your dishes with slices of tomato – the acidity of a rosé is best friends with tomatoes.
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BBQ Chicken
BBQ chicken is a super versatile dish that can be prepared to taste great alongside a variety of wines. Lightly seasoned chicken suits lighter whites like Sauvignon Blanc, while a creamy sauce loves Chardonnay, and a big BBQ sauce stands up to the bold flavours of Malbec.
Try it with:
Lamb
Grilled lamb is often considered one of the most wine-friendly meats. The robust flavours are at home with bold reds like Malbec, or a deep and fruity Pinot Noir.
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Pork
Ah, pork – what can’t it do? Sometimes we can’t believe ribs, bacon, ham, sausages, and pork chops all come from the same magical animal. It’s tricky to pair wine with such a snack-of-all-trades, so focus on the preparation. A lightly seasoned pork chop is great with a bubbly Cava, and if you dress pork with apple sauce try it with a fruit Rosé or Pinot Noir. If you go bold with spices and sauce, match the boldness with a rich Malbec.
Try it with:
- Villa Conchi Cava Brut Selession
- Jacobs Creek Moscato Rosé
- See Ya Later Ranch Pinot Noir
- Norton Reserve Malbec
Brisket
It’s usually a safe bet to pair grilled beef dishes with a red wine. Brisket is no exception, as the fat content and heavy seasoning needs a wine with a little more weight and structure. Go for a Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, or Malbec.
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Lobster
Lobster is sweet and succulent, and generally pairs well with lighter wine choices that don’t over power its delicate nature. A chardonnay is a classic choice, especially one with buttery undertones. Try a dry, crisp Sauvignon Blanc with your lobster garnished with lemon. You can never go wrong with a summer-inspired meal and rosé – that pairing is all about the spirit of the season.
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Veggie Burger
Veggie burgers have come a long way – a spicy black bean burger is far cry from the spongy, imitation-meat-burger of the 90s. Veggie burgers can be made with a ton of different veggies, so choosing a wine pairing can be a challenge. In general, keep it on the lighter side with whites or sunny rosés. A heavy burger made with mushrooms could stand up to a deep and fruity pinot noir.
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Salmon
It takes a deft grilling hand to respect a good piece of salmon. If you keep it simple with light seasoning and lemon, try a citrusy Sauvignon Blanc. A full, round Chardonnay LOVES a creamy sauce, and you could even try a light rosé that won’t over-power your fish.
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Potato Salad
Although typically you don’t pair wine with your side dish, potato salad simply always tastes better the next day. Pair your bowl of leftovers with a dry white like Cava or a mayo-lovin’ Chardonnay.
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