Wine Pairing at a Barbecue

To be honest, the only real rule about what to drink at a barbecue is that someone is chosen as the designated driver. All of the rest is based at least in part on opinion. When it comes to that, your own is the best.

When I want to serve wine at a barbecue, there are a few things I think about. Most important are the people who are likely to be drinking it. Just as some wines overpower some foods, they can also overpower the taste buds. Here are a few suggestions that may help you the next time you’re thinking of serving wine at a bbq.

Burgers: To me, red is best here. A good cabernet sauvignon, malbec or cabernet franc are good wines to choose from. Something bold is needed, especially if you pile on the toppings.

Hot dogs: This will depend on what toppings are chosen and what the hot dogs are made from. We usually do turkey hot dogs, and they have a milder flavor than the beef variety. A light white wine works well. Pinot grigio, pino gris or sauvignon blanc are nice choices.

Spicy Food: Hot stuff, such as chili, wasabi or ginger stand up to a slightly sweet white wine. You could go with pinot grigio, but a Riesling could be better, as long as it’s not too sweet. I am particular about brands here. Barefoot pinot grigio and Chateaux St. Michelle Riesling are the wines I would choose.

Ice Cream: What you choose will depend on the flavor. Coffee, dark chocolate and vanilla may go well with a cabernet sauvignon. However, my favorite choice for most desserts is sparkling wine. It is a highly individual choice, as I’ve yet to meet anyone who thinks it’s a good idea. That is one reason that all the old rules have been tossed. You like what you like.

There is an endless variety of what’s served at a barbecue, so there is an endless variety of pairings. If you want to make sure that what you serve is going to work, you may want to attend a wine tasting in your area. If none are available, you could always taste test at home. Play around with the suggestions above, or branch out and try something new. You never know until you taste it.


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