Great Wine Varietals for Grilling Season

Jun. 5, 2018

Great Wines for Grilling Season

When summertime finally arrives, invites to outdoor cookouts arrive as well. 

 

Wine has become just as common a staple as beer at barbecues, and with the trend of easily transportable packaging – like cans and tetra paks – more popular than ever, customers are eager to bring the perfect pairing to their next grill gathering. 

 

Wines paired with grilled fare

Making the perfect summer pair 

While outdoor cookout fare has grown more sophisticated than the typical burgers and hot dogs of summers past, there are some rules of thumb that take the intimidation factor out of pairing. 

 

For most grilled meat (anything that isn’t fish or poultry), red wines make an excellent match. The savory flavor and higher fat found in steaks, burgers and sausages balance out the tannins in red wine, creating a sweet/savory flavor combination. Many barbecue sauces, marinades and rubs geared towards meats can be very sweet and spicy. Cabernet Sauvignon or a Red Blend can balance the smoke and spice with their full-bodied, fruity flavors.

 

Beyond the beef 

Lighter options, such as chicken, turkey burgers and turkey sausage, are also popular barbecue staples as consumers continue to make more health-conscious food choices. 

 

Lighter meats call for lighter, crisp wines. Grilled poultry pairs nicely with Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, and the ever-popular rosé. 

 

Don’t forget your veggies!

Fish and vegetables are also popular cookout cuisine that give consumers plenty of pairing options. Pinot Noir’s smokiness and earthy undertones match well with fish and grilled veggies. Chardonnay and Beaujolais also complement seafood and vegetables with their simple yet sophisticated flavor profiles. 

 

Selling strategies  

Any wine meant to be served at a cookout runs the risk of overheating as the sun beats down. The increasingly popular canned wine options are not only easier to bring to a barbecue, they are easier to keep chilled alongside the beers in the cooler. 

 

Larger gatherings can stretch a budget. More cost-friendly options like Argentinian wines will be more attractive to customers catering for a crowd.

 

 Top wines for grilling in your market.

  1. Bacon Wine
  2. Kendall Jackson Vintners Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
  3. Sutter Home Merlot
  4. Domaine Bousquet Malbec
  5. Campo Viejo Rioja
  6. Carnivor Cabernet Sauvignon
  7. Rosé Piscine
  8. Starborough Sauvignon Blanc
Read Next Article See all Connecticut news

email delivery truck icon

Get news delivered directly to your inbox.

Join our email marketing program for weekly updates on the latest industry trends, product innovations and news.


Subscribe