The flavors that swirl around your mouth when you bite into a juicy barbecue meal are rich and varied. This might leave you wondering, “What wine goes with BBQ?” We’ve got you covered. Here’s your definitive guide to pairing wines with all types of barbecue fare.
When it comes to pairing wine with BBQ, there are two main considerations to keep in mind: the intensity of the flavors and the type of sauce used.
Intensity of Flavors: BBQ dishes are usually intense in flavor. Therefore, they need a wine that can stand up to them without being overwhelmed.
Type of Sauce: The type of BBQ sauce can greatly influence the wine choice. Sweet sauces might pair well with a different wine than spicy sauces.
Classic Pairings
The following table shows some classic pairings that have been tried and tested over time.
BBQ Dish
Wine Pairing
Smoked Beef Brisket
Full-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon
Grilled Chicken
Lighter reds like Pinot Noir or white wines like Chardonnay
Spicy BBQ Ribs
Bold, spicy reds like Syrah
BBQ Seafood
Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc
These pairings provide a great starting point, but don’t let them restrict your creativity.
Pairing Wine with Regional BBQ Varieties: From Texas to Kansas City
Each region has its own unique BBQ style, shaped by local traditions and ingredients. Here, we delve into the wine pairings that best complement these regional nuances.
Texas BBQ
Texas BBQ, particularly Central Texas style, is renowned for its smoked beef brisket. This rich, smoky dish pairs exceptionally well with full-bodied red wines. Cabernet Sauvignon, with its robust structure and tannins, can stand up to the meat’s intense flavors. A Malbec, known for its dark fruit flavors and smoky finish, would also be a great choice.
Carolina BBQ
Carolina BBQ is all about pork, usually pulled, shredded, or chopped. Eastern Carolina style emphasizes vinegar-based sauces, while Western Carolina prefers tomato-vinegar sauces.
For the vinegar-heavy Eastern style, consider a wine with enough acidity to match, such as a vibrant Sauvignon Blanc. Its crispness will complement the tangy pork.
For the tomato-based Western style, a fruity, light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir can balance the sauce’s sweetness while complementing the pork.
Memphis BBQ
Memphis BBQ is famous for its ribs, typically served “dry” (rubbed with spices before smoking) or “wet” (basted with sauce before, during, and after cooking).
For dry ribs, go for a medium-bodied red like Grenache, which will enhance the spices without overpowering them.
For wet ribs, which tend to be sweeter, a Zinfandel with its bold, jammy fruitiness would be an excellent match.
Kansas City BBQ
Kansas City BBQ is known for its wide variety of meats slathered in thick, sweet, and tangy tomato-based sauces. The rich, bold flavors of this style call for a wine that can hold its own.
A full-bodied, fruity Shiraz with its peppery undertones pairs beautifully with Kansas City BBQ. Alternatively, a Zinfandel, with its balancing acidity and sweet berry flavors, can stand up to the rich, sweet sauce.
Remember, wine pairing is a subjective art. Use these suggestions as a guide, but feel free to experiment and find what suits your palate best. Enjoy exploring the delicious harmony between regional BBQ styles and wine!
Going Beyond the Classics: An Exploration of Unconventional Pairings
For the adventurous wine and BBQ lover, here are a few unconventional pairings to explore:
Zinfandel and Spicy BBQ: Zinfandel’s high alcohol content balances the heat in spicy BBQ dishes, while its jammy fruit flavors complement the smokiness.
Rosé and BBQ Chicken: An off-dry Rosé can balance the char of BBQ chicken, while its fruity notes harmonize with the meat’s mild flavors.
Sparkling Wine and Grilled Seafood: The crisp acidity of a sparkling wine cuts through the richness of BBQ seafood, offering a refreshing contrast.
BBQ Dessert Pairings
BBQ meals often conclude with a sweet treat.
Consider these pairings:
Grilled Peaches: A sweet Moscato pairs beautifully with grilled peaches, enhancing their caramelized flavors.
S’mores: A Tawny Port, with its notes of chocolate and nuts, makes a delightful partner for s’mores.
Pairing Wine with Vegetarian BBQ
BBQ isn’t exclusively for meat lovers. Vegetarian BBQ options are plenty, and they too deserve a great wine pairing.
Grilled Portobello Mushrooms: The meaty texture and earthy flavors of grilled portobello mushrooms are beautifully echoed by a medium-bodied, earthy red wine like a French Burgundy or an Oregon Pinot Noir.
BBQ Tofu: The mild, versatile flavors of BBQ tofu work well with a wide range of wines. A crisp, refreshing white like Sauvignon Blanc or a light, fruity red like Beaujolais could work wonders.
Grilled Vegetables: Depending on the selection of vegetables, a versatile white like Chenin Blanc or a light-bodied red like Grenache can make a balanced pairing.
Seasonal BBQ and Wine Pairings
Different seasons call for different BBQ and wine pairings.
Summer: Lighter BBQ fare like chicken or fish paired with refreshing whites (Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño) or rosé wines embody the spirit of summer.
Autumn: Autumn BBQs might feature heartier dishes like pork or lamb. A spicy Syrah or a full-bodied Chardonnay can complement these well.
Winter: In the colder months, rich meats like beef brisket are a staple. Robust reds like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec pair well with these hearty dishes.
The Influence of Cooking Methods on Wine Pairing
The method of cooking BBQ can also influence the choice of wine.
Grilled BBQ: The high heat of grilling often results in caramelization and a bit of char. This can be matched by a red wine with moderate tannins and good fruit concentration like Merlot or Zinfandel.
Smoked BBQ: Smoked meats have deep, intense flavors that need a wine with similar characteristics. Think full-bodied reds like Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon.
Slow-Cooked BBQ: Slow-cooked BBQ, often tender and juicy, pairs well with a wine that has enough structure to match, yet enough fruitiness to complement the meat. A Grenache or a Tempranillo could be a good match.
Remember, pairing wine with BBQ is an art rather than a science. These guidelines provide a starting point, but the best pairing is the one that brings you the most pleasure. So, be adventurous and happy pairing!
Conclusion: BBQ and Wine – A Match Made in Culinary Heaven
When wondering, “What wine goes with BBQ?” remember that the answer largely depends on the specifics of the dish and your personal preferences. Whether you stick with the tried and true classics or venture into unconventional pairings, there’s a wine out there that will perfectly complement your BBQ fare. So, uncork a bottle, fire up the grill, and let your tastebuds embark on a delicious adventure. Happy barbecuing! For additional ideas, check out this article from our friends over at The Tolerant Vegan.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wine and BBQ Pairings
What’s the best wine to pair with BBQ chicken?
BBQ chicken, with its milder flavors, pairs well with lighter reds like Pinot Noir or white wines like Chardonnay. For a twist, try an off-dry Rosé.
Can I pair white wine with BBQ?
Absolutely! White wines, especially those with higher acidity like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, can pair well with many BBQ dishes, particularly chicken, seafood, and dishes with vinegar-based sauces.
What’s a good wine pairing for spicy BBQ?
Spicy BBQ dishes work well with bold, spicy reds like Syrah. Zinfandel can also balance the heat with its high alcohol content and fruity flavors.
How does regional BBQ affect wine pairing?
Each regional BBQ style has unique characteristics that influence wine pairing. For example, Texas BBQ, known for its smoked beef brisket, pairs well with full-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec.
What’s a good dessert wine to serve after a BBQ meal?
Sweet dishes like grilled peaches pair well with a sweet Moscato, and s’mores go well with a Tawny Port. Choose a dessert wine that matches the sweetness level of your dessert to ensure balance.
Can I pair rosé or sparkling wine with BBQ?
Yes, rosé and sparkling wines can be excellent BBQ pairings. Rosé’s balance of fruitiness and acidity works well with BBQ chicken, while the crisp acidity of a sparkling wine offers a refreshing contrast to rich BBQ seafood.
Do vegetarian BBQ dishes have good wine pairings?
Definitely. For example, the earthy flavors of grilled portobello mushrooms pair well with earthy reds like a French Burgundy, while BBQ tofu can be matched with a wide range of wines, from Sauvignon Blanc to Beaujolais.
Remember, the perfect wine pairing is the one that you enjoy the most. Feel free to experiment and discover your personal favorites.
Hi, I’m Rachel Edwards and I enjoy a glass of wine as much as the rest of them. Well, maybe slightly more.
My parents own a vineyard in Napa Valley and were constantly making new wines for the locals to try. Their brand was one of the most popular across the US at one point. My sister and I loved running up and down the vines, picking the grapes for our parents, and even helping with the ideas.
Since moving out of the family home, my love for wine has not waivered - in fact, I consider myself somewhat of a connoisseur. I’m always the one to bring the wine to our girly gatherings, family meals, and picnics - let me know what we’re doing, and I’ll supply the goods.
