It’s Labor Day Weekend and barbeques are rampant! Not a beer fan or just want to upscale the BBQ a bit? Bring on the wine…but what really works?
It’s important to remember that sticking with the fairytale rule of red wine with meat and white with fish will deny you of some delicious wine and food combinations! Wine and food pairings have almost more to do with seasonings, sauces and flavors than the core ingredient itself like meat or fish. What matters most is the dominant flavor of the dish and the structural components of wine that offer the best pairing guidance. In a pairing scenario, wine is really acting as a condiment to food. Try to think about it this way when planning your meal! Don’t think in colors, red or white.
Here are some wine pairing ideas to help you at your next BBQ. And we’re keeping it simple…only reds and whites (with a couple of exceptions). Please keep in mind these are VERY general guidelines as each varietal (grape), combination of varietals and specific winemakers approach impacts the flavor and aroma profile of each wine. Easier to say, as an example, that all Cabernet Sauvignons are not the same. And in celebration of our national holiday, Labor Day, we are only including varietals grown in America.
Remember, there are no solid rules when it comes to pairing wines with grilled foods. Ultimately it is your palate that you’re seeking to please by the wine pairing. So bring on the festivities!
Enjoy your long weekend!
~Lisa Mecray Rogers, award-winning Master Chocolatier and Founder ofLuxx Chocolat® xquisite artisan chocolate, ChocoVin Chocolate & Wine Tastings® and Luxx Academy du Chocolat offering classes with adults in mind, Ridgewood resident, recognized as one of 2014 and 2013 Best Chocolatiers & Confectioners in America. Luxx Chocolat offers unique handcrafted works of art. Nothing artificial, no preservatives, not mass produced.