When it comes to barbeque, most people probably think beer is the beverage choice. When you think of barbecue, you probably think of summer cookouts, and what goes better with grilled meat on a hot day than an ice-cold beer? Well fear not, wine lovers, because there is plenty of room at the table for your favorite wine. In fact, wine is not only an acceptable barbeque beverage, it is encouraged! There are a plethora of great BBQ and wine pairing options to elevate your next cookout and we have our favorite pairings below.
Best Red Wine to Pair with Barbeque
When it comes to pairing red wine with barbecue, a robust and flavorful choice is Zinfandel. Zinfandel’s bold and fruity profile, often featuring notes of blackberry, cherry, and even a hint of spice, perfectly complements the smoky, charred flavors of grilled and barbecued meats. Its well-balanced acidity and moderate tannins make it an excellent match for a wide range of barbecue dishes, from ribs and brisket to grilled sausages. The wine’s versatility and ability to stand up to the richness of barbecue sauces and hearty meats make Zinfandel a top choice for enhancing your barbecue experience.
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- Zinfandel: sweet red with moderate tannins and high acidity.
- Shiraz: full-bodied with a robust, spicy flavor.
- Pinot Noir: food-friendly, light, sweet red, high on aromatics.
- Rioja: dry, medium-bodied with notes of dark stone fruit and leather.
Best White Wine to Pair With Barbeque
Pairing white wine with barbecue food is an adventurous culinary choice that can pleasantly surprise your taste buds. While red wines are often the go-to for barbecue, a well-selected white wine, such as a Viognier or an oaked Chardonnay, can provide a delightful contrast to the smoky, savory, and sometimes spicy flavors of barbecue. The crisp acidity and fruity notes in these white wines complement the grilled meats, chicken, or seafood, creating a refreshing balance.
The versatility of white wines allows them to pair excellently with various barbecue styles, making them a versatile and refreshing option for those looking to explore a unique and harmonious culinary experience. Whether you’re indulging in classic barbecue dishes or experimenting with inventive grill recipes, don’t overlook the charms of white wine to enhance your barbecue feast.
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- Chardonnay: dry, buttery, and oaky with moderate tannins and acidity.
- Grüner Veltliner: Light, citrus-focused flavors of lime, lemon and grapefruit.
- Sauvignon Blanc: fruity, dry, highly acidic, and herbaceous.
- Riesling: Light and crisp, highly acidic, and food-friendly.
- Rosé: bold berry flavor with bright acidity.
Pairing Wine With Various Barbeque Dishes
Wine With Pulled Pork
Here you want a wine that will not be overpowered by the smoke, but will also not overpower the pork. Pinot Noir is perfect in this capacity.
Wine With Barbecued Chicken
There’s not a better match than Rosé with barbeque chicken, but if you prefer a white, choose an off-dry Riesling.
Wine With Ribs
This BBQ favorite will pair nicely with a Zinfandel or Pinot Noir. If the sauce is more classic than sweet, try a Cabernet.
Wine With Brisket
Shiraz or Rioja are both great choices to hold their own against the smoked meat while also offering fruity notes to balance.
Wine With Smoked Salmon
Barbequed smoked salmon is going to call for a full-bodied white. Try a Chardonnay or Viognier. If you prefer red, you could also pair a Pinot Noir or Beaujolais.
Sausages are great with acidic whites to balance the fat and any spice they may have. Try a Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling. If you prefer red, a Barbera or Lambrusco will also do the trick.
Wine With Baked Beans
A fruity red, such as a Shiraz or Zinfandel will pair nicely with this classic barbeque side.
Wine With Cornbread
Buttery, oaked white wines like Chardonnay or Chenin Blanc are a lovely complement to cornbread.
Wine With Potato Salad or ColeSlaw
These barbeque staples can be made in a variety of ways and flavors. For most iterations, a crisp white with bright citrus notes will work well. Try a Sauvignon Blanc or Grüner Veltliner.
