6 BBQ Wines + Pairings for Summer
by Allisun Groat, Tastemaker in Residence
As we all anxiously await permission to leave our homes, let’s rejoice that the weather is becoming summer-like and we can get out and grill with our families, and in some cases, friends! Each of these wines are great with the specific pairings outlined below and can be served with almost anything you have on the grill. Don’t be afraid to chill down your reds for 30 minutes in the fridge in the hot summer months!
Jeio by Bisol Cuvée Rosé Prosecco, Italy
An Italian sparkling wine made of equal parts Pinot Noir and Merlot, this surprisingly complex bubbly Rosé from the region where you find Prosecco is the perfect partner to all things on the grill — especially BBQ pork and chicken. Its bright strawberry and red fruit notes are super refreshing and it has just enough structure, acidity, and body to match up perfectly to your pulled pork. Bonus Tip! It is usually found for under $14 and is from an Estate producer in the Valdobbiadene hills of Prosecco that started 23 generations ago. SRP $15*
Chateau du Moulin-à-Vent Couvent des Thorins Beaujolais, France
This juicy Gamay made from the fruit of 40-year old vines from Chateau du Moulin-à-Vent (moulin-à-vent means “windmill”) and this property is on the landmark location of that iconic windmill. It offers the perfect amount of heft and tannin for sausages and brats. Tons of fresh, dark fruit, currants, raspberry, and sour cherry, balanced with earthy notes of potting soil, cocoa, a touch of violets and black tea. If you think Beaujolais is for amateurs, you haven’t tried one from the Moulin-à-Vent Cru. SRP $25*
BiotifulFOX Rouge 2018, Rhone, France
BiotifulFOX is a certified biodynamic/organic winery operated by the Coulon family, who also owns Domaine de Beaurenard in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, in the Southern Rhône Valley. This wine provides the ideal red wine for burgers; 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Carignan. It represents the three benchmarks for the Domaine de Beaurenard wines; fragrance, delicacy, and minerality. These wines offer you an elegance hard to find in such perfect balance with the fruit, earth, subtle herbs, and floral notes. SRP $18*
RouteStock Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, California
Cabernet is king and perfect to pair with those amazing steaks you’ve been picking up curbside from your local Steak House. Ripe, structured, with plenty of tannins; the fruit for the RouteStock wines are sourced from iconic properties in Napa Valley and provide a ton of wine for the money. You’ll find this Cabernet around $25 at your local retailer. It is a classic Napa Valley Cab using 100% French Oak barrels. With beautifully balanced aromas of cedar, cola and dark black fruit; the palate is round, expansive, bright and complex with flavors of cocoa, coffee, fruit and herbs. SRP $25*
Arista Pinot Noir Russian River Valley, Sonoma, California
Is salmon a favorite on your grill? Arista Russian River Pinot Noir is perfect with grilled salmon (hint, put a slight chill on the wine) - this is a serious Pinot Noir. In the same neighborhood as Rochioli, Williams-Selyem, and Ramey, the McWilliams family has an incredible property and takes meticulous care in their winemaking. Native yeast fermentation and 100% French Oak, of which only 20% is new, plus unfiltered and unrefined. Cranberry, cherry, mushrooms, forest floor and classically, balanced and delicious. This wine is worth the splurge! SRP $65*
Pierre Sparr Pinot Blanc Alsace, France
Finally, for chicken and white wine lovers — Pinot Blanc. You can find this white grape mutation of Pinot Noir all over the world and I prefer the bottlings from the cooler regions. The Pierre Sparr winery is in Alsace, known for their beautiful dry, aromatic white wines, plus these are even vegan friendly! Pinot Blanc can be overlooked but has the weight of Chardonnay and the brightness of Pinot Gris along with its own attributes of pear, peaches, stone (like granite), and subtle flavors that work perfectly with simple dishes. With 100% stainless steel fermentation and aging this wine is super fresh, fruity, bright, and delish. SRP $19*
* All wines imported by Wilson Daniels and available in most of the lower 48 US.
