When we think barbecue the beverage of choice that usually comes to mind is beer. An old saying at GrillBillies is that “one of the B’s in BBQ” must stand for beer. Yes, that beverage we can always find a reason to consume while sitting next to our smoker or grill. It’s natural and it’s American!! So why are we talking about wine?
Well, with the surge in popularization of barbecue the “wineos” have entered the arena. Like craft beer showing up at a barbecue so is the same with wine. The art of turning out great “Q” is no longer left to the beer drinking “die-hards” that built their own smokers and brave the elements whether it be sub zero or scorching hot. The enthusiasm for great barbecue is covered by all walks of life and therefore many enjoy a good bottle of wine with their barbecue.
Selecting the right wine can be as important as selecting the right sauce or seasoning to complement your “Q” of the day. Whether you are grilling or smoking pork, chicken, brisket or fish no one single wine is a “go to” that will do the job best. There are many factors that will effect the best selection beside just the meat. Are the seasoning or sauce spicy, sweet, tart? Are we cooking in blazing heat or like we are at the North Pole? Oh, and the palettes of the guest but we can’t deal with that because there will always be a difference of opinion and we know what opinions are like! We will stick with the basic rules, but with that being said rules are meant to broken, so drink what you like.
Here is cryptic look at the GrillBillies selections that we feel works best with various types of barbecue and conditions (Oh, we practice what we preach).
Chicken
Chardonnay*, Chenin Blac, White Burgundy
Brisket
Cabernet, Malbec, Zinfandel, Barolo, Meritage, Amarone*, Ripasso*
Steak/Burgers/Beef Tenderloin
Bordeaux, Cabernet*, Barolo*, Amarone, Ripasso
Pork
Chardonnay, White Burgundy, Merlot, Pinot Noir*, Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Rose
Ribs
Syrah*, Cabernet
Sausage
Zinfadel
Fish
White Burgundy*, Chardonnay
Salmon
Pinot Noir
Spicy Food
Riesling, Pinot Gris, Vouvray*, Prosecco, Cava
Spicy Seasonings or Sauces
Zinfadel*, Syrah, Malbec
Grilled Vegetables, Shrimp, Shell Fish
Sauvignon Blanc (Fume Blanc)
Hot Dogs
White Zinfandel
Summer Heat (all purpose)
Cool Dry Rose
Winter Cold ( all purpose)
Cabernet, Zinfandel, Malbec——Shine????
ENJOY!!!
