Woo-hoo! Grill season is in full swing! With plenty of summer occasions to celebrate, now's the perfect time to pick up a few bottles of wine to pair with your outdoor feast. Don't know where to start? No worries, we’ve put together an easy guide to follow based on what you're cooking. And as always, don't hesitate to chat up one of our knowledgeable team members in the store for a great recommendation. Happy grilling!
For Lighter Fare...
If you’re going vegetarian or sticking with poultry, you may be looking for a lighter wine to complement your meal. Rosés are a great option with grilled foods. Light bodied and versatile, these wines hold up remarkably well to rich char flavors and don’t weigh you down in the heat. If you prefer a white wine, try a Gruner Veltliner or a Gewurztraminer. These fruity, acidic wines pair great with smoked chicken.
- Banyan Gewurztraminer - $14.99; @ West End & Fayetteville
- Revelation Rosé (Goose Ridge) - $21.99; @ West End
- Meinklang Gruner Veltliner - $21.99; @ West End & Fayetteville
The Other White Meat...
Classic pulled pork on the menu? We recommend a medium bodied red with a bit of sweetness along with wines that have just enough tannin or acid to cut through the fattiness of the meat. For reds, try a Primitivo (Italian Zinfandel) or a Pinot Noir. White wine lovers should go for a dry Riesling. Pro tip: Throw your red wine in the fridge for a few minutes to chill it down a bit!
- Electric Bee Primitivo - $15.99; @ West End
- J.K. Carriere Clarion Pinot Noir - $29.99; @ West End
- Dr. Burklin-Wolf Cuvee Blanc - $22.99; @ West End
Brisket & Ribs...
For the beef lovers out there, you’ll need a substantial wine to stand up to the bold meal. Look to red wines with flavors of pepper, tobacco, and cooking herbs. Think Tempranillo, Cabernet blends, and Syrah. If you’re worried about the wine being too heavy for the weather, try options that are un-oaked.
- Involuntary Commitment - $27.99; @ Krog
- Azul y Garanza Tempranillo - $17.99; @ Krog
- Mas de Janiny C’est bien comme ça! - $16.99; @ West End
All About That Baste...
Going with barbeque sauce? Don’t worry, there’s a wine for that too! If you prefer a more tangy, mustard forward sauce try an Aglianico. Is sweet more your style? Go with a Monastrell. If a classic Kansas City style sauce is on your table, we recommend a Cabernet Franc.
- Tombacco Aglianico - $15.99 @ West End
- Agri Segretum Freghino - $29.99 @ Krog
- Field Recordings FRANC - $22.99 @ West End & Fayetteville
