Beat the Heat and Enjoy These Wonderful Wines with Your Summer BBQ – Vino Las Vegas Wine Club

The heat is rising, and the season is here to enjoy cookouts with family and friends this summer. In Las Vegas with triple-digit temperatures on the horizon, one may think that wine may not be a good choice for outdoor activities but that certainly is not the case. Wine and BBQ make a perfect pairing for your summer outings.

There are many varietals to please your palate at any time of year. Enjoy these wines that are sure to pair nicely with your family and friends with almost anything off the grill this summer.  Zinfandel is bold, fruity, and jammy. Its alcohol content can stand up to the smoky, charred flavors of grilled meat. Another great choice is Pinot Noir a lighter-bodied wine with delicate fruit flavors and crisp acidity.

Chardonnay is known for its buttery texture and flavors of tropical fruit and vanilla.  Syrah also has a great selection of flavors of blackberry, pepper, and smoke. Sauvignon Blanc is a brilliant choice with flavors of citrus and green apple jumping out of the glass.

Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most widely planted wine grape varieties in the world. It is known for its full-bodied, tannic wines with flavors of blackcurrant, blackberry, and cedar and is an excellent choice as well. Why not a nice Rose wine to add to your BBQ table?  These lovely wines can range in color from pale pink to deep ruby, and they can be still or sparkling. They are often characterized by their bright, fruit-forward flavors and refreshing acidity.

Perhaps a Zinfandel with its big flavors that can complement the smoky, charred flavors of any grilled meat is the wine of your choosing.   For this versatile wine think ribs, brisket, or pulled pork.  Tried and true Cabernet Sauvignon with a firm tannic structure that can stand up to the rich, fatty flavors of your grilled culinary works of art. Any kind of beef, lamb, or even venison would make a perfect pairing.   No matter what you call it, Syrah or Shiraz, it typically has notes of black pepper and spice that can complement the smoky flavors right off the grill. It is a perfect choice for the grill. Especially red meat like beef, lamb or venison.

Pro Tip: Consider pairing this versatile wine with a juicy steak or think lamb chop.

In addition to the big, bold red wines why not pour a Rosé at your BBQ? The crisp acidity and fruit-forward flavors of a dry rosé can be a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, savory flavors of grilled meats.

Pro Tip: Choose a medium-bodied rose with grilled steak or lamb chops for a perfect pairing.

Yes, you can use white wine with red meat!  A Sauvignon Blanc with its bright, citrusy flavors cut through the bold flavors of grilled meats and vegetables. It pairs well with Chicken and Pork particularly when prepared with herbs and citrus.  Pinot Noir is a chameleon wine, meaning it can pair nicely with almost any protein you may put on your grill. This lighter-bodied red wine has a silky texture and fruity notes that can complement the flavors of meat, grilled fish, and vegetables.

Pro Tip: Pinot Noir pairs well with lamb, beef, pork, duck, and salmon.

Chardonnay is a nice selection as well. Look for an oaked Chardonnay. It certainly can stand up to the bold flavors of grilled meats, while an unoaked Chardonnay can be a refreshing pairing with grilled fish and vegetables. The rich buttery flavors complement the tender, juicy meat of chicken for a brilliant pairing.  Most importantly, remember that personal taste is first and foremost, you should always choose a wine that you enjoy drinking.

Elaine and Scott Harris
Sommeliers

Vino Las Vegas Wine Club
2620 Regatta Drive, Suite 119
Las Vegas, NV 89128
www.vinolasvegas.com