Wine For Grilling

Robert Giles

Grilling is one of my favorite things about summer. I love to come up with new recipes and marinades just for an excuse to fire up the grill and spend some time outside. When it comes to the meal, though, it can be a question of what to pair with the finished product. Red wine may not be traditional summer fare, but red wines pair so perfectly with grilled meats that I find myself going back to them even in the hotter months. Here are some of my favorites to go with your next grilled specialty.

Zinfandel is one of the first wines on my list when it comes to pairing with grilled meats whether it's a steak or barbecue. The peppery finish on Zinfandel goes just right with many marinades and barbecue sauces. St Francis Old Vine Zin is a great choice in this situation. It features notes of raspberry and blackberry preserves combined with strong yet soft tannins and a cinnamon and black pepper finish. This one is strong enough to cut through a sweet barbecue sauce, and it’s a perfect complement to a grilled steak.

The next wine I like to pair up is Syrah, specifically Luli Syrah. The blackberry and red cherry fruit notes combine with hints of black pepper and undertones of herbs. The structured tannins and surprising acidity will be the perfect accompaniment to many grilling seasonings and a majority of side dishes you might choose. An excellent wine that will feel familiar and surprising all at the same time.

Malbec is a wine that sometimes can be overlooked due to the prevalence of the big, bold cabernet. I feel like this is a mistake as there is a wonderful richness to this wine that won't overpower you with tannins yet can complement many meats just as well as a cabernet. Domaine Bousquet Reserve Malbec is a great choice if you want to do a seasoned or herbed chicken or beef with some slow roasted potatoes. The notes of blackcurrant and figs combined with a light, lively acidity makes it a great pairing for steaks, burgers, and even salmon.

Cabernet is the king of pairing with grilling and barbecue. Known for bold fruit flavors, strong tannins, and a medium body, it can stand up to the flavors of the grill without overpowering them. Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet is a perfect example of what to expect. With notes of baking spices, cassis, strawberry preserves, and hints of bittersweet chocolate, this structured tannic wine will be especially good paired with the smoke of the grill.

Finally, I like to think of the times I lean more into alternatives for grilling. Sometimes it is a matter of my vegetarian friend coming to dinner and sometimes I just want some grilled fish. While malbec works great for fattier salmon, there is a slightly lighter option: Rosé. Chateau Aqueria Tavel has expressive notes of raspberry and pomegranate combined with a hint of spice leading to a long finish. This wine will pair with blackened catfish or buttery grilled asparagus.

All of these wines give plenty of starting options for planning a great grilled dinner. If you want to take it further and have an amazing steak and cabernet dinner, you can check out our top ten reserve wines which would all pair with a well-seasoned steak. As always, we encourage you to explore new flavors and celebrate more.