The Best Wines to Pair with BBQ Dishes

By Jennifer Lutrell | Published on 2023-01-10

. Are you looking for the perfect wine to pair with your BBQ dishes? Whether you’re grilling up ribs, chicken, or pork, the right wine can make all the difference. In this article, we’ll explore the best wines to pair with BBQ dishes, from reds for ribs to whites for chicken. We’ll also provide tips on how to choose the best wine for your BBQ and how to pair it with the perfect dish. So, grab a bottle of your favorite wine and let’s get grilling!



A glass of red wine with a plate of BBQ ribs and vegetables, showing the perfect pairing of wine and food.

Red Wine for BBQ Ribs

When it comes to pairing red wine with BBQ ribs, there are a few options that stand out. The first is a big, bold Cabernet Sauvignon. This full-bodied red has enough tannins to stand up to the smoky flavor of the ribs, while its dark fruit notes provide a nice contrast. Another great option is a Zinfandel, which has a jammy fruitiness that pairs well with the sweetness of the BBQ sauce. Finally, a Syrah or Shiraz can bring out the smoky flavors of the ribs and provide a nice balance of fruit and tannins.

For a lighter red, a Pinot Noir is a great choice. Its bright acidity and subtle fruit flavors will cut through the richness of the ribs, while its light tannins won't overpower the dish. Another option is a Grenache, which has a bright, fruity flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the BBQ sauce. Finally, a Barbera has a nice balance of acidity and tannins that will stand up to the smoky flavor of the ribs.

No matter which red wine you choose, make sure to serve it slightly chilled to bring out the best flavors. With the right pairing, you'll be sure to have a delicious meal that will be the talk of the table.

White Wine for BBQ Chicken

When it comes to pairing white wine with BBQ chicken, the possibilities are endless. From crisp and dry to sweet and fruity, there are a variety of white wines that will bring out the best flavors in your BBQ chicken. For a classic pairing, try a Sauvignon Blanc. This dry white wine has herbal and citrus notes that will complement the smoky, savory flavors of your BBQ chicken.

For a more fruity pairing, try a Riesling. This sweet white wine has notes of peach, apricot, and honey that will bring out the sweetness of your BBQ chicken. For a more complex pairing, try a Chardonnay. This full-bodied white wine has notes of apple, pear, and butter that will bring out the richness of your BBQ chicken.

No matter what type of white wine you choose, it's important to remember that the wine should be served slightly chilled. This will help to bring out the flavors of the BBQ chicken and the wine. So, the next time you fire up the grill, be sure to have a bottle of white wine on hand to pair with your BBQ chicken.

Wine and BBQ Pork

When it comes to BBQ pork, there are a few different types of wine that pair well with this delicious dish. For a classic pairing, a dry, medium-bodied red such as a Pinot Noir or a Merlot is a great choice. These wines have a light body and subtle tannins that will bring out the flavors of the pork without overpowering them.

For a more robust pairing, a full-bodied red such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Zinfandel is a great option. These wines have bold tannins and a deep flavor that will stand up to the smoky, savory flavors of the pork.

If you're looking for a white wine to pair with BBQ pork, a Chardonnay or a Riesling is a great choice. These wines have a light body and a bright acidity that will bring out the sweetness of the pork without overpowering it. For a more complex pairing, a Gewürztraminer or a Viognier is a great option. These wines have a rich, spicy flavor that will complement the smoky flavors of the pork.

Wine to Go with Ribs

When it comes to ribs, the best wine to pair with them is a full-bodied red. The bold flavors of the ribs will be complemented by a robust red, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, or Syrah. These wines will bring out the smoky, savory flavors of the ribs, while also providing a nice balance to the richness of the meat.

For a lighter option, a dry rosé can also be a great choice. Rosés are often light-bodied and fruity, which makes them a great pairing for ribs. The sweetness of the rosé will help to cut through the richness of the ribs, while still providing a nice contrast to the smoky flavors.

If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, a sparkling wine can also be a great choice. Sparkling wines are light and refreshing, and the bubbles will help to cut through the fat of the ribs. A sparkling rosé or a sparkling Shiraz can be a great way to add a bit of fun to your meal.

Good Wine for BBQ

When it comes to good wine for BBQ, the possibilities are endless. From bold reds to crisp whites, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re grilling up ribs, chicken, or pork, there’s a wine that will pair perfectly with your meal.

For BBQ ribs, a full-bodied red such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel will pair nicely with the smoky, savory flavors of the dish. If you’re grilling chicken, a crisp white such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio will bring out the flavors of the poultry. For pork, a medium-bodied red such as a Merlot or Syrah will bring out the sweetness of the meat.

When it comes to pairing wine with BBQ, the key is to find a balance between the boldness of the wine and the smoky, savory flavors of the dish. Experiment with different wines and find the perfect combination for your meal. With the right wine, your BBQ will be even more delicious.

Wine to Pair with BBQ

When it comes to pairing wine with BBQ, there are a few key points to keep in mind. Firstly, the type of BBQ dish you are serving will determine the type of wine you should choose. Red wines are generally best for BBQ ribs, while white wines are better suited for BBQ chicken. For BBQ pork, a medium-bodied red or white wine will work well.

When selecting a wine to pair with BBQ ribs, look for a full-bodied red with bold flavors such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, or Syrah. These wines will stand up to the smoky flavors of the ribs and bring out the sweetness of the sauce. For BBQ chicken, a crisp white such as Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, or Pinot Grigio will work well. These wines will complement the flavors of the chicken and provide a refreshing contrast to the smoky sauce.

When pairing wine with BBQ pork, a medium-bodied red or white will work best. For reds, look for a Merlot, Pinot Noir, or Chianti. These wines will provide a balance of fruit and earthy flavors that will bring out the sweetness of the pork. For whites, a Chardonnay or Viognier will work well. These wines will provide a nice contrast to the smoky flavors of the pork.

Best White Wine for BBQ

When it comes to BBQ, white wine is often the best choice. Not only does white wine pair well with the smoky, savory flavors of BBQ, but it also helps to balance out the richness of the meats. Whether you’re grilling up chicken, pork, or ribs, white wine is a great choice to pair with your BBQ dishes.

For a classic white wine pairing with BBQ, try a Sauvignon Blanc. This crisp, dry white wine has a bright acidity that helps to cut through the richness of the BBQ. Sauvignon Blanc also has a subtle herbal note that pairs perfectly with the smoky flavors of the grill.

If you’re looking for something a bit more full-bodied, try a Chardonnay. This white wine has a creamy texture and a hint of oak that pairs well with the smoky flavors of the BBQ. Chardonnay also has a hint of sweetness that helps to balance out the savory flavors of the meat. For a truly unique pairing, try a sparkling white wine like Prosecco or Champagne. The effervescence of the bubbles helps to cleanse the palate and the sweetness of the wine pairs perfectly with the smoky flavors of the BBQ.

Best Red Wine for BBQ

When it comes to BBQ, red wine is the perfect accompaniment. Rich and robust, red wines pair well with the smoky, savory flavors of grilled meats. From juicy ribs to succulent pork, red wine can bring out the best in your BBQ dishes.

When selecting a red wine for BBQ, look for a full-bodied variety with a good balance of tannins and acidity. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Zinfandel are all excellent choices for BBQ. These wines have bold, fruity flavors that will stand up to the smoky, savory flavors of the grill.

If you’re looking for something a bit lighter, try a Pinot Noir. This light-bodied red wine has a bright, fruity flavor that pairs nicely with grilled chicken and pork. For a unique twist, try a Spanish Rioja, which has a smooth, earthy flavor that pairs well with BBQ ribs. No matter what type of red wine you choose, it’s sure to be a hit with your BBQ dishes.

Conclusion

When it comes to pairing wine with BBQ dishes, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Depending on the type of BBQ dish you are serving, the best wine to pair with it will vary. Red wines are best for BBQ ribs, white wines for BBQ chicken, and a combination of both for BBQ pork. For a more complex flavor profile, consider pairing a white wine with ribs and a red wine with pork. Whatever you choose, the perfect wine to pair with your BBQ dish is sure to make your meal even more enjoyable.