Last weekend was Independence Day, and we were hard pressed to find friends who were not celebrating outside with lighter fluid and raw meat. While grilling is often associated with beer (our significant others often scare us by drinking it while lighting the match above the charcoal they drowned…3rd degree burns, anyone?), pairing wine with grilled foods is an exceptionally satisfying experience. The key is in the flavor components!
Take chicken. Certainly not one of the more flavorful meats on its own, but think about this: grilled chicken thighs seasoned with lemon juice/zest and fresh ground black pepper. Not only will it melt off the bone into your mouth, but if you follow it up with a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, all of those fresh citrus flavors are going to come alive. Light to medium bodied white wines won’t over power the mild flavor of the chicken, and styles that have inherent “crisp”, “herbal” or “grassy” qualities compliment the no-nonsense element of grilling.
Now, for you pig lovers out there, a jammy, spicy wine is going to rock your ribs. Just make sure you lick your fingers before picking up the glass, to avoid any slippery barbeque sauce incidents! We would recommend a robust Zinfandel or fruit forward Cabernet Sauvignon. The meaty characteristics of those wines will enhance the flavors in the sauce, and mimic the savory decadence of the meat. We opened a 2007 Cab from Mendocino, CA over the weekend and it was a huge hit.
Doing burgers? Of course you are. They’re juicy, scrumptious and easily customized. Depending on the type of burger you cook, you will want to find a wine that will compliment the burger. Creating a classic black & blue? Try a late harvest red wine like Amarone or a wine made with Grenache/Garnacha grapes. The concentrated fruit flavors will mesh well with the richness of the cheese. If you’re using toppings like caramelized onions, try a Cote du Rhone. They are elegant, dynamic and often spicy.
The rustic appeal of food cooked over an open flame is a natural companion to the satisfaction of an earthy and flavorful wine. So no matter what you’re grilling…be it meat, vegetables or even fruit, make sure you take the plunge and experiment! (oh, and go easy with the lighter fluid)
