Summer is here, and it's time to fire up the grill and enjoy some delicious barbecue. But have you ever thought about what wine to pair with your BBQ feast? In this blog, we'll guide you through the best wine-pairing options for your summer barbecue, so you can elevate your culinary experience and impress your guests.
FISH
Grilled fish is a summertime classic, and finding the perfect wine to pair with it can elevate the dish to a whole new level. The key to pairing wine with grilled fish is to find a wine that complements the delicate flavours of the fish without overwhelming them. A light-bodied white wine is often the best choice for grilled fish. Some popular options include Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Albariño. These wines are crisp, refreshing, and have a bright acidity that can cut through the richness of the fish. If you prefer red wine, opt for a light-bodied Pinot Noir. These wines have a low tannin content and can complement the fish without overpowering them.
CHICKEN
When it comes to pairing wine with grilled chicken, it's essential to consider the marinade and seasoning used on the chicken, as this can greatly impact the wine pairing. For example, grilled chicken marinated in zesty citrus-based marinade pairs well with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir. On the other hand, if the grilled chicken has sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, a bold Zinfandel, smokey Shiraz, or a Chardonnay with oak notes would be a good choice.
SAUSAGES
If you're planning a summer picnic and looking for the perfect wine to pair with grilled sausage, consider Barolo, Barbaresco, or Barbera d'Alba. Barolo and Barbaresco are powerful, tannic wines that can stand up to rich, hearty sausages like chorizo or andouille. Barbera d'Alba is a medium-bodied wine with bright acidity that can balance the richness of sausage, making it a good match for grilled sausages like kielbasa or boudin blanc. Ultimately, the best pairing will depend on the specific sausage and the seasonings used.
BURGER
Burgers are a staple at any barbecue and for good reason. Sink your teeth into a juicy grilled burger and pair it with a delicious glass of Cabernet Sauvignon, crisp Rosé, or a bold Bodegas Valduero Una Cepa. Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic choice with its bold tannins and notes of black fruit, which can stand up to the taste of the burger. A dry and crisp Rosé also pairs well, with its acidity cutting through the richness of the meat and the fruit notes complementing the fresh cuts of tomatoes, cucumber, and lettuce. For something a bit more unique, consider a Spanish red like Bodegas Valduero Una Cepa, which has cherry red Tempranillo has notes of ripe red fruits and spices, with a long finish and a good balance of acidity and tannins, making it a great match for a grilled burger.
RIBS & BRISKET
Get ready to fire up the grill and impress your guests with mouthwatering ribs and brisket. Elevate your barbecue game with the perfect wine pairing to enhance the flavours of your grilled meats. French wines like Bordeaux and Côtes du Rhône, with their robust tannins, will stand up well to the bold smoky notes of the meats. Indulge in Brunello di Montalcino, a rich and full-bodied Tuscan wine made with Sangiovese grapes, perfectly complementing the fatty ribs and brisket with its high acidity. You can also try GSM, a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, boasting spicy and fruity notes, creating a bold pairing that is sure to impress your guests.
Pairing wine with your summer barbecue doesn't have to be a daunting task. By following these simple guidelines, you can elevate your culinary experience and impress your guests with the perfect wine pairing for your barbecue. So, fire up the grill, pour a glass of wine, and enjoy the heat of summer!
