Easy BBQ and Wine Pairings

Easy BBQ and Wine Pairings As you light up the grill to commence barbecue season, pop open a bottle of wine that will best complement your grilled dishes.

Traditionally, grilling season brings out spicy and rich BBQ ribs, hearty steaks and juicy burgers. A bottle of red is generally a good choice - for example, a Spanish Rioja, a nice medium-bodied red made from Tempranillo grapes.

Riojas often have spicy aromas and red fruit flavors and pair beautifully with red meats like lamb, pork or veal.

A nice affordable choice is the Campo Viejo Crianza 2006 ($10), which has a long finish with hints of coffee and chocolate. It goes particularly well with chicken with barbecue sauce or dry-rubbed ribs.

Another good selection for spicy and saucy barbecued meats is a Petite Sirah - a full-bodied varietal with blackberry and spice flavors.

A deep crimson Shiraz from Australia is another nice choice for hearty steaks and burgers. Shiraz, otherwise known as Syrah, is typically a full-bodied and tannic red with berry, pepper and smoky flavors.

Wines for Grilling Season The Wyndham Estate Bin 555 Shiraz 2005 ($10) has a rich bouquet of spices and berry fruit, making it an excellent choice for grilled meats.

For grilled seafood, fish and vegetables, a crisp white is the ideal accompaniment. Sauvignon Blanc, with its acidity and citrus notes, partners well with these lighter grilled dishes.

For a well-balanced and crisp selection, try the Brancott Sauvignon Blanc 2008 ($14) from New Zealand. You'll find it goes well with oysters, barbecued shrimp and other fish.

Lastly, if you're entertaining guests who aren't big wine drinkers, try mixing up a fresh and fruity sangria. This "wine punch" is typically made with red wine (although white varieties, sangria blanca, are popular in Northern Spain) along with sliced fruit, a sweetener, brandy or triple sec and often club soda.

Try Nat Decants' Wine & Food Matcher to find other great wine selections to enjoy with your BBQ!