Summer is in full swing, which means long road trips, days spent on the water, and quality time with family and friends. One summer tradition that never seems to get old is a good, traditional barbeque full of delicious grilled food, thirst-quenching drinks, and enough good memories to last a lifetime.

A Chaumette Vineyards & Winery, we understand not everyone wants to drink a beer or cocktail with their meal. We pride ourselves on expertly pairing delectable dishes with tantalizing wines that please the senses and leaves you feeling satiated.

Medium to Full-Bodied Red Wine & Pork

In this instance, it’s best to remember “sweet vs. savory.” Red wines with a high fruit factor and a dab of sweetness pair perfectly with pork. You’ll want to go with something sweet because it will balance out the smoky, spicy, or tangy flavors that are usually associated with pork and the types of sauces typically used on the pork. A Zinfandel works magnificently. As a medium to full-bodied wine, it has plenty of backbone and silky quality that will stand up to tasteful pork dishes, like ribs and pork chops.

Other wines you can choose from are a Ruby Port (one ice), Pinot Noir, Riesling, and a dry Rosé. Pinot Noir goes great with smoke meats because of its earthy, smoky quality.

Medium to Full-Bodied White Wine & Pork

If you’re a fan of white wine, look no further. When choosing a white wine to go with your grilled or barbequed pork you’ll want to pick something that combines the richness and acidity that white wine has to offer. We suggest you go with a medium to full-bodied choice, such as a Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Chardonel, White Burgundy, or even a White Rioja. The spice and the tang of the White Rioja will compliment that richness of the fatty pork amazingly.

Full-Bodied Wines & Beef

You’ll want to pick a wine that will enhance the tobacco and pepper flavors of grilled beef.  Full-bodied wines that do just that are Sangiovese, Shiraz, Tempranillo, and Bordeaux. A Tempranillo is a Spanish wine that’s tasty and budget friendly. It will offer aromas of cherry, wood smoke, and leather, which compliment that meat perfectly.

Light-Bodied Wines & Chicken

With chicken, expect to go one of two ways—either herbal or sweet. Wines that will pair nicely with a sweet glaze are Sauvignon Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, and Grechetto. These are medium to light bodied wines that are high in acidity yet low in tannins. They are perfect for lighter fare, like chicken.

If you’re trying to match a wine with chicken that’s been cooked with an herbal rub, perhaps, you’d like to try a Riesling, White Zinfandel, or a Gewürztraminer. These are more medium bodied wines and have low acidity and low tannins. Meaning, they’re not going to overpower the chicken, allowing the herbs to mix beautifully with the fruity flavors.

Light-Bodied Wines & Fish

You can expect either a rich or more piscine taste when it comes to fish. So, you must find wines that match well with a rich salmon and a fishier white fish. For a richer fish, we would recommend a Chardonel, White Rioja, or Viognier. These are full-bodied, white wines that provide a rich and creamy taste.

For a fish like white fish, we would recommend a Friulano, Verdejo, White Vinho Verde, and Colombard. These are light-bodied, white wines that are great alternatives to wines like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio. The subtle flavors of these wines will pair easily with the lightness of the fish.

Spice & Wine

Some grill masters are crazy about their spice. Sometimes, you must find a way to cut through all that insane flavor. A cold Gewürztraminer, a dry Rosé, or a sparkling wine are excellent pairings for these types of foods. They also have the added benefit of having a natural elegance that can elevate any simple get together into something truly special.

Chaumette Vineyards & Winery Pairings

Chaumette can help you celebrate everything from a day-off to your wedding day. For more information, visit our website today!  For more wine tips and tricks and different ways to celebrate life, check out our blogs here! Want a taste of what we have to offer? Our expert staff is always happy to help you find the best wine pairing when eating at the Grapevine Grill.