What Wines Pair Best With Grilling?

The warmer weather means a change in food pairings with wine. So what type of wines and craft beers pair well with the season you ask?

Basically, it boils down to what you like. But it also means this is a great time to try new beverages that will enhance the flavors of the food.

Summer cookouts usually involve lighter-fare foods along with appetizers of cheeses and fruits. You also may be cooking a few steaks on the grill, which will call for a more substantial beverage.

The summer foods can typically be enjoyed with light and refreshing wines. While a juicy steak will pair well with a Napa Cabernet or Australian Shiraz, the lighter grilled fare such as burgers, fish and pork may require a lighter wine. Try something new such as a Gruner Vetliner from Austria, an Albarino from Spain, a Chenin Blanc from South Africa or a Viognier from a variety of countries.

The Gruner, Albarino, and Chenin Blanc will be crisp in style while the Viognier will be fuller bodied. All will be deliciously refreshing.

I believe some of the best red wines for grilled or barbecued foods are red Zinfandel, Malbec from Argentina, a Spicy Shiraz from Australia, Syrah from France and Petite Sirah from California.

Heavy foods call for a full-bodied wine. That may mean a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz for red wine and a full Chardonnay or Viognier for the white wine lover.

There are a few wines that seem to pair well with every food. One of these wines is a fuller-bodied Pinot Noir. This grape pairs well with a variety of foods from fish to chicken to steaks.

Another overlooked wine is a Rose from the Languedoc region of France.  This wine is not sweet, but rather uses the bolder-style red grapes of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre, to name a few.

The winemaker will limit the grape skin contact for the Rose wine and develop a wonderful full-flavored wine that is especially delicious during these summer months.  Very flavorful and refreshing wine that pairs well with a wide variety of foods. 

Local events

• Please check out the various tasting events that are scheduled in your area at http://www.localwineevents.com/.
• WineStyles in Bolingbrook is featuring a “Grilling Wines” tasting Thursday from 6-8p.m.  The event is complimentary and everyone is welcome to taste what is new and available in your area.