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If you haven’t busted out the pit or even cranked on the electric grill, now’s the time to avoid heating up your kitchen. How about this: You do the grilling and let your guests bring their favorite vino? Here’s a pairing guide to share and don’t forget to chill the red wine!
Smoked Barbecue Ribs, Brisket, and Turkey with Sweet and Spicy Sauce
Smoked meats mopped with barbecue sauce love pepper-laced, ripe dark fruit zinfandels like Dutcher Crossing 2019 Brothers’ reserve Dry Creek Valley. Texas Pedernales 2022 Daniel Vineyards tempranillo Joven is another decadent choice with hints of cherry pie and tobacco. Lighter but nicely spiced Long Meadow Ranch 2022 rosé of pinot is a wine you’ll relish with brisket and drink all summer with everything.
Grilled Prawns, Lobster, and Salmon
Citrusy with hints of vanilla, Wente 2023 Morning Fog chardonnay brightens up rich grilled seafood, as does budget-friendly, buttery Franciscan Estate’s 2022 California chardonnay. Optionally, Assuli Baglio “CARINDA” BIO Sicilia DOC 2022 is a gorgeously perfumed and juicy stainless steel-fermented white.
Grilled Chicken and Pork Chops
Take everyday favorites to a new level with Flora Springs 2023 Soliloquy Napa Valley white blend – a stunner with notes of jasmine and citrus and a palate full of vibrant acidity and lush flavors. Perfect with peach glazed pork or marinated rosemary-garlic chicken breast. Soliloquy would make an extra special hostess gift.
Grilled Hamburgers with all the Fixings
Rombauer Vineyards 2021 zinfandel sports notes of cracked pepper, concentrated red fruits and herbs. An idea for burgers gussied up with caramelized onions or mushrooms: a fruity yet bold chillable red! Mouton Cadet x Pierre 2023, a Bordeaux blend, was created by fourth generation winemaker and great-grandson to Baron Philippe de Rothschild.
Appetizers
Super chilled rosé kicks off any gathering in style and appeases both white and red drinkers. Look for the impressive 2023 release of Forever Young Côtes de Provence rosé by celebrity Bethenny Frankel. Dry and expertly balanced is low sugar Summer Water rosé from California’s central coast.
Grilled Pizza
White wines pair best with a variety of cheeses due to the lower tannins in the wine. Floral and silky, Etude’s 2022 Carneros pinot gris marries beautifully with goat cheese toppings and grilled veggies, as does the ripe and expressive J Vineyards 2022 Estate pinot gris. Optionally, Bonterra Organic Estates 2023 sauvignon blanc is fresh and sunny with lively acidity.
Spicy Beef Fajitas, Grilled peppers, and Baja Shrimp Tacos
To quell spicy grilled fare, choose a low tannin, low alcohol wine like Elemental – these assorted thirst-quenching varietals are packaged in weightless metal screw top bottles. For something more sophisticated, uncork Bouchaine 2022 Riesling Estate Selection Napa Valley-Carneros, or its crisp 2022 Gewurztraminer – both spectacular.
Fruity Summer Desserts
The always affordable fruit forward Bread & Butter 2022 California rosé bursts with the fragrance of fresh strawberries and rose petals. It’s the ideal summer spritz base.
When in Doubt, Pop Bubbles!
Effervescent and low alcohol sparkling wine and Champagne will keep you refreshed and pair with all foods. Uncork French sparkling Bouvet Signature brut NV, fashionable and festive BUDHAGIRL sparkling brut, and the always evolving Texas-based Heath Family Brands’ latest releases like 2021 Adoration rosé. Optionally, spritzy Piedmont Ceretto Blangé Arneis Langhe DOC 2022 will keep you cool while sipping by the pool.
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Cover photo courtesy Pedernales Cellars.
Robin Barr Sussman ([email protected]) is a freelance culinary and travel writer who studied at the Culinary Institute of America Greystone, Calif. As a chef for Sonoma County wineries, her specialty was food and wine pairing. Sussman is a columnist for Houston Modern Luxury Magazine, Prime Living, and Houston House & Home. Her work appears in Texas Monthly, Fodor’s, and Private Clubs Magazine.
