Top 7 Wines to Pair with Grilled Food

Grilling should be easy, and so should picking out the right wine. When it comes to pairing wine with grilled food, there are no right answers. It is a very intimate choice that involves the oldest scientific method: trial and error. We do however need a starting point to begin experimenting with what works best for us personally. To me, this starting point is the vineyards themselves. Here are 7 wines that according to the wineries themselves pair best with various grilled and BBQ fare. 

BBQ Pork Ribs | 2012 Benziger Cabernet Sauvignon

Our Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon is very inviting with aromas of black olive and savory, dark fruit. Its well weighted structure and integrated tannins add a light chalkiness to the palate . Flavors of black currant, bing cherry and juicy plum endure from start to finish, as hints of tea and cocoa help support the mid - palate.

BBQ Brisket | 2013 Smith & Hook Cabernet Sauvignon

Showing off spicy aromas and fruity flavors, this robust Cabernet is perfect pairing for BBQ! This maroon beauty shows an elegant balance of fruit and oak. Aromas of cedar and cassis jump out of the glass, while the palate evokes flavors of black cherries and dark chocolate. This dark and dense wine shows strong tannins from the first sip with a dry finish balanced by hints of vanilla and cloves.

Grilled Poultry, Pork, Fish | 2012 Pull Eighty Pinot Noir

Our Pinot Noir is carefully crafted from fruit that is selected for its aromatics and depth of flavor. The vineyards that go into Pull Eighty are blended to create a well balanced and classic expression of Pinot Noir from Oregon.

Grilled Salmon | 2013 Annabella Chardonnay

Annabella Chardonnay is a full flavored wine with medium body and a rich concentration of fruit. It has overtones of apples and pears with a wonderful nose and mouth feel. A subtle essence of new oak creates a lingering finish. 

Grilled Rack of Lamb | 2011 Yarden Cabernet Sauvignon

Mostly central Golan and Upper Galilee. Aged for 18 months primarily in small French oak barrels. On the palate, intense ripe blackberry, cherry, cassis and plum notes with toasty oak, vanilla and a nuance of spice and tar; full-bodied and concentrated with a long complex finish. 

Grilled Steak and Game | 2013 Herencia Altes Garnatxa Negra

Bright crimson in colour, this wine is very expressive with notes of red fruits and minerals that leap from the glass. Plenty of fruit on the palate, a touch of complexity and sweet tannins.

Grilled Vegetables | 2013 Kris Pinot Grigio

Pale yellow with green reflections, Kris offers enticing aromas of acacia flowers, citrus, tangerine, apricots, and hints of almonds. 

What is your favorite wine?