Whether you’re firing up the grill to cook barbecue chicken and burgers, or looking to grill some of your favorite summer vegetables like squash and peppers, there are plenty of tasty wines available to complement the smoky flavors of food.
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Check out some of the wine pairings recommended below by experts:
Best Wine To Serve With Grilled Sausage
Most experts say you should choose wines with acidity and a touch of sweetness such as Rosé Sparkling WIne, Pinot Blanc and Sangiovese. The folks over at Gayot.com also recommend Riesling, Norton or Cynthiana, Syrah, and Zinfandel.
Best Wine To Serve With Classic Grilled Hot Dogs
During an interview with seriouseats.com, Jessica Hereth, Wine Director of Olympic Provisions, says “With grilled hot dogs and ketchup and mustard I would actually get a little crazy and tell you to drink some Alsatian Gewurztraminer. The floral aromatics, fat oily texture, and hint of sugar are outstanding with the sweetness of ketchup and the aggressiveness of mustard.”
Best Wine To Serve With Hamburgers
When it comes to pairing wine with a classic juicy burger topped with American Cheese, Matt Kettmann, a Contributing Editor of Wine Magazine, recommends Alma Rosa 2012 Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills), $35. “This Pinot’s earthy tannins stand up to the charred meat, the mineral-powered acidity cuts through the cheese, and a bright raspberry character washes down fries better than ketchup,  says Kettman during a feature with Wine Magazine. Additional expert recommendations includesCabernet Sauvignon, Gamay, Syrah and Zinfandel.
Best Wine To Serve With Steak
It’s universally accepted that red wine pairs best with steak.”Seriouseats†recommends picking a wine that will complement the cut and level of the steak. For instance, “If you prefer a leaner steak like filet mignon or some cuts of sirloin, look for a wine with a bit less tannin, because the steak will not have enough fat to soften it. On the other hand, a cut with more fat, like ribeye, New York strip, or skirt steak can handle a more brawny wine. Red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah are perfect options for steak lovers.”
Best Wine To Serve With Grilled Veggies
Food and Wine magazine recommends White Bordeaux for brussels sprouts and broccoli. Chenin Blanc for squash, carrots, cauliflower and parsnips. And try a dark-fruited rosé for Tomatoes.
Best Wine to Serve with Seafood or Salad
During an interview with Fox News, Dwight Casimere, a Wine and Food Editor , recommended pairing your favorite reds with your summertime foods. “There are a variety of pinot noirs, fruitier merlots, light bodied Italian reds and certainly a stunning array of rosé that go terrifically with fish. In the south of France, for example, it’s not uncommon to see the lighter red wines of the region served lightly chilled,†said Casimere.
Do you wash down your favorite meat or veggies with a glass of wine? If so leave me a comment with some of your best recommendations!