For many people, barbecue is one of their favorite weekend activities. It offers something for everyone, whether you prefer burgers, hot dogs, steak, or fish. While many people enjoy their grilled meats with beer, you can also create delicious BBQ and wine pairings. But which combinations work best?
To match BBQ and wine properly, you need a dry wine with a medium to full body. It needs a good level of acidity to cut through fatty meats. Reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, or Merlot and whites like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc are typically great picks for delicious BBQ and wine pairings.
Depending on your barbecue style, the meats, and the side dishes, other wines can work as well. In the following article, we will discuss the most popular preparations and the best BBQ and wine combinations:
- Grilled Steak and Wine
- Burgers and Wine
- Pork Chops and Wine
- Sausages and Wine
- BBQ Chicken and Wine
- Grilled Salmon and Wine
Before we get into the specifics of these recipes, let us discuss the different types of barbecue in general.
WHAT IS BBQ?
When talking about barbecue (or short: BBQ), you might come across different definitions. Most people consider every preparation that includes a grilling device barbecue. But stricter definitions distinguish between grilling and barbecue.
Grilling does not take much time as you cook your food directly over the fire at relatively high temperatures. In contrast, when you barbecue, you do not expose your meats to the fire directly. Instead, you cook it indirectly, which takes much more time. Besides, temperatures are significantly lower, and the meat gets perceivable smoky flavors.
For simplicity, we will not distinguish these two methods strictly in this article.
THE RIGHT WINES FOR DIFFERENT BBQ STYLES
Although barbeque always involves a grill (or a smoker), there are various regional styles. The main differences between them are the marinades and sauces used to season the meats. They create different flavor profiles and thus, call for different wines to match them.
Carolina BBQ and Wine
Pork is the most common type of meat for Carolina-style barbeque. It is not unusual that the party’s host presents a whole smoked hog and lets the guests cut their servings themselves. Typically, a thin, acidic sauce made from vinegar, sugar, and peppers comes with this type of BBQ.
To match this acidic sauce, you need a similarly zesty wine. It should not be too bold, though. Many Italian red wines such as Sangiovese or Barbera are just right. White wines like dry Rieslings from France can be good matches, too:
- type: white, still, Vintage
- origin. France, Alsace
- varietal: Riesling
- alcohol: 13.0%
Domaines Schlumberger Les Princes Abbes Riesling 2018
- type: white, still, Vintage
- origin: France, Alsace
- varietal: Riesling
- alcohol: 13.0%
- type: white, still, Vintage
- origin: France, Alsace
- varietal: Riesling
- alcohol: 13.0%
In South Carolina, you might serve a mustard-based sauce. It contains vinegar and sugar as well but is significantly more savory and also spicier. However, it is a great add-on to the subtle sweet notes of the pork.
To match South Carolina BBQ and wine, go for bolder red wines such as Zinfandel or Syrah. Stay away from New World styles, though. They are typically a bit too rich and can overpower the meal.
For white wine lovers, Riesling is a great option. This time, you should search for an off-dry to semi-sweet bottle, though. Check out the German Kabinett wines from the Mosel or Rheingau regions.
Dr. Loosen Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese 2019
- type: white, still, Vintage
- origin: Germany, Mosel
- varietal: Riesling
- alcohol: 8.5%
Schloss Vollrads Rheingau Riesling Spätlese 2016
- type: white, still, Vintage
- origin: Germany, Rheingau
- varietal: Riesling
- alcohol: 7.5%
J.J. Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett 2020
- type: white, still, Vintage
- origin: Germany, Mosel
- varietal: Riesling
- alcohol: 9.0%
Memphis BBQ and Wine
Memphis-style BBQ is known for delicious ribs and pulled pork dishes. They are seasoned with a dry rub made from salt, pepper, chilis, cumin, and sugar. After cooking slowly for hours, they are very tender, juicy, and flavorful. Usually, they come with a tomato-based sauce but only as an optional side dish.
Pair your Memphis-style BBQ and wine from the New World. Especially Merlot wines, for instance from Australia, are great matches. They are medium- to full-bodied and offer a great combination of fruity and spicy flavors. Also, they are very approachable for wine newbies who don’t enjoy wine regularly.
Mollydooker The Scooter Merlot 2018
- type: red, still, Vintage
- origin: Australia, South Australia
- varietal: Merlot
- alcohol: 15.5%
Clarendon Hills Brookman Merlot 2006
- type: red, still, Vintage
- origin: Australia, South Australia
- varietal: Merlot
- alcohol: 14.5%
- type: red, still, Vintage
- origin: Australia, South Australia
- varietal: Merlot
- alcohol: 13.5%
Texas BBQ and Wine
Texas barbecue is unique because the meat usually is served without sauce. The most common dish is a beef brisket that slowly gets smoked at low heat. It gets its flavor from its fat and a dry rub that can be as simple as salt and pepper. When ready to serve, the meat is so tender that it almost falls apart.
The best Texas-style BBQ and wine pairings are dry and full-bodied red wines. Pick one with a decent level of tannins so it can cut through the meat. Earthy wines are better than fruity wines, which might create a strange flavor combination. Try a Syrah. Both European styles and New World Shiraz wines can do the job. Alternatively, a Spanish Rioja or a Californian Cabernet Sauvignon are fabulous matches.
La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 Tinto 2011
- type: red, still, Vintage
- origin: Spain, Rioja
- varietal: Tempranillo
- alcohol: 13.5%
La Rioja Alta Vina Ardanza Reserva 2012
- type: red, still, Vintage
- origin: Spain, Rioja
- varietal: Tempranillo
- alcohol: 14.5%
Torre de Ona by La Rioja Alta Reserva Finca Martelo 2014
- type: red, still, Vintage
- origin: Spain, Rioja
- varietal: Mazuelo, Tempranillo
- alcohol: 14.5%
Rodney Strong Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
- type: red, still, Vintage
- origin: United States, California
- varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
- alcohol: 15.0%
Buena Vista Chateau Buena Vista Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
- type: red, still, Vintage
- origin: United States, California
- varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
- alcohol: 15.0%
Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
- type: red, still, Vintage
- origin: United States, California
- varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
- alcohol: 16.0%
Kansas BBQ and Wine
Unlike the preparation methods used in Memphis and Texas, Kansas-style BBQ relies on sauces. They contain tomatoes, molasses, vinegar, and intense spices such as black pepper, chili, or garlic. The meats lay in this sauce either while or after being slow-smoked, so they become very flavorful. Side dishes coming with them include potato salads, baked beans, and coleslaw.
Kansas BBQ features many different types of meat and also fish. For fish and white meats such as chicken, you best choose a full-bodied white wine. An oaked Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc is a fantastic match, especially when coming from the New World. It has just the right level of acidity to cut through the savory sauce. Look for wines from California or South America.
If you prepare a pork or beef meal, red wine is the right pairing. Grab a wine with earthy flavors like a Grenache from France or Spain (be aware that Grenache is called “Garnache” in Spain). Alternatively, consider an Australian Shiraz. These wines are worth trying:
Bodegas Mas Alta La Basseta 2006
- type: red, still, Vintage
- origin: Spain, Priorat
- varietal: Carignan, Garnacha, Merlot, Syrah
- alcohol: 14.5%
Bodegas Mas Alta Romani La Basseta 2017
- type: red, still, Vintage
- origin: Spain, Priorat
- varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Garnacha
- alcohol: 14.5%
Clos Figueres Font de la Figuera Priorat 2018
- type: red, still, Vintage
- origin: Spain, Priorat
- varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Garnacha, Monastrell, Syrah
- alcohol: 15.0%
Barossa Valley Estate Shiraz 2018
- type: red, still, Vintage
- origin: Australia, Barossa
- varietal: Syrah
- alcohol: 13.5%
Two Hands Lily's Garden Shiraz 2017
- type: red, still, Vintage
- origin: Australia, South Australia
- varietal: Syrah
- alcohol: 14.5%
- type: red, still, Vintage
- origin: France, Rhône Valley
- varietal: Syrah
- alcohol: 14.5%
THE BEST BBQ AND WINE PAIRINGS
Now that we know about the major barbecue styles let us look at some specific BBQ and wine pairings.
Grilled Steak and Wine
Steaks might be the most popular barbecue dish. Beef steaks can be fatty and chewy or lean and tender, depending on the cut. And when looking for a matching wine, you should consider that.
Tender preparations like Filet Mignon or Strip Cuts go well with a light-bodied red. Pinot Noir belongs to this category, and so does Grenache. When served with a rich sauce, you can also choose a medium-bodied wine like Sangiovese.
Fatty cuts like Ribeye steaks call for tannic full-bodied reds. Wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel can stand the fattiness superbly. Also, by adding a bit of fruitiness, they amplify the flavor package.
T-Bone Steak
$56.95
from: CertifiedPiedmontese
Joseph Phelps Freestone Vineyards Pinot Noir 2019
- type: red, still, Vintage
- origin: United States, California
- varietal: Pinot Noir
- alcohol: 14.0%
Belle Glos Las Alturas Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019
- type: red, still, Vintage
- origin: United States, California
- varietal: Pinot Noir
- alcohol: 15.0%
DuMOL Wester Reach Pinot Noir 2019
- type: red, still, Vintage
- origin: United States, California
- varietal: Pinot Noir
- alcohol: 14.0%
Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel 2019
- type: red, still, Vintage
- origin: United States, California
- varietal: Zinfandel
- alcohol: 15.0%
Rombauer El Dorado Twin Rivers Zinfandel 2019
- type: red, still, Vintage
- origin: United States, California
- varietal: Zinfandel
- alcohol: 16.0%
Hartford Russian River Old Vine Zinfandel 2019
- type: red, still, Vintage
- origin: United States, California
- varietal: Zinfandel
- alcohol: 16.0%
Burgers and Wine
It might sound weird to have burgers with wine, but actually, you can compose excellent pairings. With beef, the bun, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and sometimes cheese, a burger offers a complex set of aromas.
To match these flavors, red wine with at least a medium body such as a Sangiovese is the right choice. Especially Tuscany wines like Chianti Classico are great pairings for burgers. They have just the right levels of tannins and acidity to stand the rich flavor combination. Here are some examples:
Castellani Chianti Classico Riserva 2016
- type: red, still, Vintage
- origin: Tuscany, Italy
- varietal: Sangiovese
- alcohol: 13.0%
Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico 2019
- type: red, still, Vintage
- origin: Tuscany, Italy
- varietal: Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Ciliegiolo, Colorino
- alcohol: 13.5%
Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classico 2019
- type: red, still, Vintage
- origin: Tuscany, Italy
- varietal: Sangiovese
- alcohol: 13.0%
If you prepare your burger with cheese, you can choose a full-bodied wine, too. Try a red Bordeaux blend made primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon:
- type: red, still, Vintage
- origin: France, Bordeaux (left bank)
- varietal: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot
- alcohol: 13.5%
- type: red, still, Vintage
- origin: France, Bordeaux (left bank)
- varietal: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot
- alcohol: 14.0%
- type: red, still, Vintage
- origin: France, Bordeaux (left bank)
- varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
- alcohol: 13.0%
Pork Chops and Wine
The flavor of pork is quite different from beef. It is typically lighter, more tender, and has a subtle sweet note.
Pork Chop with Vegetables
The best wine for pork chops is a light- to medium-bodied red. As the meat is rather light, it should not be too tannic. And to match the subtle sweetness, a fruity flavor profile is a good add-on. Pinot Noir, as well as Gamay, are good fits.
Another interesting wine to pair with pork chops is Frappato. This wine from the Italian island of Sicily is light and full of fruits. Unfortunately, it is rare. But if you get your hands on a bottle, pork chops are a great meal to enjoy with it.
Duboeuf Julienas Chateau des Capitans 2020
- type: red, still, Vintage
- origin: France, Burgundy
- varietal: Gamay
- alcohol: 13.0%
- type: red, still, Vintage
- origin: France, Burgundy
- varietal: Gamay
- alcohol: 13.0%
Jean-Paul et Charly Thevenet Morgon Vieilles Vignes 2021
- type: red, still, Vintage
- origin: France, Burgundy
- varietal: Gamay
- alcohol: 12.5%
Sausages and Wine
Sausages are another popular meal for BBQ lovers. And there are many different ways to prepare and serve sausages. Finding the right wine to pair with sausages depends heavily on the preparation:
German-style Bratwurst with Sauerkraut and mustard is delicious when paired with a glass of white wine. It needs a good acidity level to stand the intense side dishes, so go with a Grüner Veltliner from Austria or a dry German Riesling. In case, you are open to experimenting, try a sweet sparkling wine such as Lambrusco or Moscato d’Asti. They create a fascinating contrast to the meal’s sour and spicy aromas.
Cleto Chiarli Lambrusco Di Sorbara Vecchia Modena 2020
- type: red, sparkling, Vintage
- origin: Emilia-Romagna, Italy
- varietal: Lambrusco
- alcohol: 11.0%
- type: red, sparkling
- origin: Emilia-Romagna, Italy
- varietal: Lambrusco
- alcohol: 12.0%
Venturini Baldini Marchese Manodori Lambrusco
- type: red, sparkling
- origin: Emilia-Romagna, Italy
- varietal: Lambrusco
- alcohol: 12.0%
- type: white, semi-sparkling, Vintage
- origin: Piedmont, Italy
- varietal: Muscat
- alcohol: 6.0%
Vietti Moscato d'Asti Cascinetta 2020
- type: white, semi-sparkling, Vintage
- origin: Piedmont, Italy
- varietal: Muscat
- alcohol: 5.5%
- type: white, semi-sparkling, Vintage
- origin: Piedmont, Italy
- varietal: Muscat
- alcohol: 6.0%
The same wines make suitable matches for hot dogs. If you like your hot dog with a lot of ketchup, off-dry or semi-sweet Gewürztraminer wines become an option as well.
- type: white, still, Vintage
- origin: Alsace, France
- varietal: Gewürztraminer
- alcohol: 14.0%
Zind-Humbrecht Gewürztraminer 2019
- type: white, still, Vintage
- origin: Alsace, France
- varietal: Gewürztraminer
- alcohol: 14.0%
Albert Boxler Gewürztraminer Reserve 2018
- type: white, still, Vintage
- origin: Alsace, France
- varietal: Gewürztraminer
- alcohol: 14.0%
Spicier sausages from Italy or Spain require wines that are a bit bolder. Red wines such as Barbera or Dolcetto offer the right mix of body, acidity, and tannins.
BBQ Chicken and Wine
Chicken is a superb alternative to steaks or burgers for everyone who prefers a light meal. It is much leaner and thus opens more wine pairing options than fatty red meats.
White meats usually go well with white wine, and that is true for chicken as well. BBQ chicken needs a bold white, though. So try a New World Chardonnay that enjoyed some time in oak barrels:
- type: white, still, Vintage
- origin: United States, California
- varietal: Chardonnay
- alcohol: 14.0%
- type: white, still, Vintage
- origin: United States, California
- varietal: Chardonnay
- alcohol: 14.0%
Beringer Luminus Chardonnay 2019
- type: white, still, Vintage
- origin: United States, California
- varietal: Chardonnay
- alcohol: 14.5%
Red wine lovers can pick a Grenache, given that the seasoning is rather simple (see the pairings for Kansas-style barbecue).
When served with richer sauces, better go for a Cabernet Franc or an oaked Malbec. The latter is particularly great because it often features tobacco notes that perfectly complement the smokey flavor of grilled meat.
If you like fruity chicken marinades with lemon, mango, or pineapple juice, here is another option for you: Pair your meal with dry rosé wine. Especially New World rosé, for example, from California, is a fantastic choice. They tend to be light and fresh, just right for an outdoor barbeque.
BBQ Chicken Wing
- type: rosé, still, Vintage
- origin: United States, California
- varietal: Cinsault, Counoise, Grenache, Mourvèdre
- alcohol: 13.5%
Chateau Ste. Michelle Rose 2020
- type: rosé, still, Vintage
- origin: United States, Washington State
- varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah
- alcohol: 13.0%
- type: rosé, still, Vintage
- origin: United States, Oregon
- varietal: Pinot Blanc, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir
- alcohol: 13.0%
Grilled Salmon and Wine
Fish is another excellent alternative that is lighter than red meats. Nevertheless, it isfleshy and flavorful, no matter how you prepare it. Strictly speaking, salmon is not meat. However, it is not too different from chicken or rabbit. So in terms of wine pairing, you can treat it like white meat.
Salmon has one important characteristic that distinguished it from poultry, though: Like most seafood, it is very salty. And when paired with tannic wines, this saltiness can create a very unpleasant metallic taste. Thus, pick a low-tannin wine to avoid this problem, but ensure it has a proper acidity level.
When grilled, salmon goes well with a red Gamay (see the recommendations for pork chops) or a dry white Pinot Grigio.
Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio 2020
- type: white, still, dry, Vintage
- origin: Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige
- varietal: Pinot Gris
- alcohol: 12.5%
Tiefenbrunner Pinot Grigio 2019
- type: white, still, dry, Vintage
- origin: Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige
- varietal: Pinot Gris
- alcohol: 12.5%
- type: white, still, dry, Vintage
- origin: Italy, Friuli-Venezia Giulia
- varietal: Pinot Gris
- alcohol: 13.0%
For smokey preparations, dry German Riesling is a delicious match, as well as the formerly mentioned Grenache (or Garnacha). If you like unconventional pairings, you can also try sparkling wines like Champagne with your smoked salmon.
- type: white, sparkling
- origin: Champagne, France
- varietal: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
- alcohol: 12.0%
- type: white, sparkling
- origin: Champagne, France
- varietal: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier
- alcohol: 12.0%
- type: white, sparkling
- origin: Champagne, France
- varietal: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier
- alcohol: 12.5%
FINAL WORDS
Pairing barbecue with wine is not difficult. With the information from this article, you are more than ready to do it. So at your next garden party, offer your guests a delicious wine to pair with their BBQ dishes.
