Wine Matches For Grilled Fare

Grill Friendly Reds

Zinfandel-will be able to handle a wide variety of red meats. This bold red wine bellies up to meaty, smokey flavors allowing the varietal's black pepper spice, acidity and ripe tannin's to carry the meats fats and texture to a new dimension. a Zin will also work well with barbecue sauce, steak sauce and mild salsa- if there is too much spice in the sauce the two will compete and the wine and the sauce will both end up losers.

Merlot-is the spicy sauce answer to the above dilema. With the characteristic fruit forward flavor profile, this varietal will support the spice and not aggravate it. Grilled Pork chops, chicken and garden variety salads with lighter dressings also mingle well with Merlot.

Shiraz/Syrah-is another varietal that makes the grill-friendly wine list. This varietal is delicious with just about any red meat. Offering dynamic, somewhat aggressive fruit flavors, balanced with more mellow tannins and a softer-fuller body. This wines place to shine is definitely at a barbecue gathering.

Cabernet-is made for steaks with higher fat content. Burgers of beef or turkey will also pair well. the tighter tannins are significantly mellowed by the meat's fat, producing a palate pleaser to remember. top your meats with bold cheeses, like blue or sharp chedder and this varietal gets even better.

Pinot Noir-is a flexible varietal that is known for being food friendly. It can go from grilled fish to a juicy burger in just one sip. Pinot Noir is an excellent choice for grilled fish, especially Salmon. Or burgers or chicken. If you arn't sure which wine will work with your grilled dinner Pinot Noir is a safe bet.

NEXT! WHITES FOR GRILLING!

In Vino Veritas
David