The Best Wines to Pair with Your Summer BBQ
Posted June 1st, 2012 | by The Update
With the unofficial start of summer this Memorial Day weekend, Texans know it’s also the kickoff for barbecue season! Most people think of pairing beer with their barbecue, but you’d be surprised how well certain wines may pair up with your favorite barbecue dishes as well.
So light up the grill, pop some corks, and check out these sumptuous wines that will make your next barbecue soiree a smashing success:
White Wines
Many white wines are smooth and easy to drink. They do not have overwhelming flavor notes and can go great with chicken and fish. Some whites to include at your barbecue include:
Chardonnay: This white works best with grilled fish, shellfish and chicken. It also is great with fresh grilled corn on the cob covered in butter. Look for ones without the oak aging for the most versatility.
Riesling: This sweet white works well with barbecue chicken, grilled vegetables, and even grilled pineapple.
Pinot Grigio: This dry white wine can be served with grilled vegetables and shrimp.
Red Wines
Red wines often contain bold spicy flavors along with fruity notes. This makes them the ideal choice to serve with smoked or barbecue meats. Some red wines to consider are:
Zinfandel: This vibrant and full-bodied garnet red wine has hints of black cherry and black pepper, making it ideal to serve with barbecue food. Pair it with saucy ribs for a tasty treat.
Merlot: This red goes great with grilled chicken, pork, and summer salads. It has hints of fruit that work well with spicy dishes as well.
Shiraz: This spicy red is perfect to serve with red meat. Pair it with grilled steaks, smoked brisket, or any smoked meat.
Cabernet Sauvignon: This wine has notes that make it perfect to serve with burgers and steak. This deep red can stand up to sharp cheeses and any sauce or condiment.
Pinot Noir: This wine can be served with just about anything. It is easy to drink and works well with red meat, as well as fish. It can be served with grilled salmon, beef burgers, and even chicken.
Tasty Sangrias
If you aren’t ready to make the full switch to wine from beer at your next barbecue, consider sangria an alternative. Sangrias are refreshing and incorporate fresh fruit along with wine. They are easy to drink and visually appealing. A sangria is the perfect drink that is sure to please everyone.
Red Wine Sangria: Try a sangria made with red wine, brandy, fresh summer fruit, and plenty of ice with barbecue favorites such as ribs or chicken covered in barbecue sauce. The sweet beverage will complement the sauce on the meat.
White Wine Sangria: Another sangria recipe to try uses white wine, cubed melon such as honeydew and watermelon, strawberries and raspberries. Top it off with ginger ale and you have a drink that will pair well with grilled fish or chicken.
Wine guide by by Cheryl Cirelli on LoveToKnow— click here to read the original article.
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