Best Wine to Pair with BBQ

Pulled pork’s tender texture and sweet, tangy sauce demand wines that can handle both richness and spice. A juicy, fruit-driven Zinfandel brings ripe berry notes and a touch of spice that complement the pork’s smokiness. For a lighter option, an off-dry Riesling offers refreshing acidity and subtle sweetness to balance the dish’s bold flavors.

BBQ chicken, often glazed with sweet and savory sauces, pairs well with a versatile white like Chenin Blanc, whose bright acidity and orchard fruit flavors cut through the sauce and enhance the smoky meat. If you prefer red, a light-bodied Pinot Noir with soft tannins and red fruit notes won’t overpower the chicken and complements its juicy texture.

Slow-cooked beef brisket is rich, smoky, and deeply savory, calling for robust reds. Syrah (Shiraz) delivers dark fruit, pepper, and earthy undertones that stand up to the meat’s intensity. Alternatively, Malbec offers plush tannins and blackberry flavors that accentuate brisket’s melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Sticky, saucy BBQ ribs are a classic pairing for wines with juicy fruit and enough acidity to cut through the richness. Grenache brings vibrant red fruit and spice that echo the flavors of the sauce, while a lightly sparkling Lambrusco refreshes the palate and amplifies the dish’s sweet and smoky notes.

Grilled sausages, whether pork, beef, or chicken, feature savory spices and smoky char. Tempranillo offers a mix of red fruit and earthy spice that matches the sausage’s complexity. For a zesty contrast, Sauvignon Blanc brings herbal, citrus-driven freshness that lifts the flavors and cleanses the palate.

• Balance bold flavors – Choose wines with enough intensity and fruitiness to complement the robust, smoky flavors of BBQ.
• Consider the sauce – Sweet and tangy sauces work well with fruit-forward reds or off-dry whites to enhance the dish's complexity.
• Match the meat – Pair heavier meats like brisket with full-bodied reds, while lighter meats like chicken can be complemented by versatile whites or light reds.
• Think about spice – For spicy BBQ, opt for wines with lower tannins and a hint of sweetness to soften the heat.
• Refresh the palate – Sparkling wines or those with high acidity can cleanse the palate and amplify the smoky, savory notes of BBQ.