Grilled meat, with its smoky and charred flavors, is one of the best foods to pair with wine. The right wine will complement the depth of flavor in the meat, enhancing the overall dining experience. Whether you’re grilling steaks, burgers, or ribs, the right wine can take your meal to the next level.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best wines for pairing with different types of grilled meat.
1. Best Wines for Grilled Steaks
1.1. Ribeye Steak
✔️ Best Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Syrah
✔️ Why It Works: Ribeye has high fat content, and these bold wines with tannins cut through the richness of the meat.
1.2. Filet Mignon
✔️ Best Wine: Pinot Noir, Merlot, Bordeaux
✔️ Why It Works: Lighter reds like Pinot Noir complement the tender, lean nature of filet mignon.
💡 Tip: For steak, choose a bold red wine to balance the rich flavors of the meat.
2. Best Wines for Grilled Burgers
✔️ Best Wines: Zinfandel, Malbec, Merlot
✔️ Why It Works: Juicy, fruity reds match well with the savory and slightly smoky flavor of grilled burgers.
💡 Tip: If you have a cheese-topped burger, opt for a soft tannin wine like Merlot.
3. Best Wines for Grilled Ribs (BBQ or Smoky Style)
3.1. BBQ Ribs
✔️ Best Wine: Zinfandel, Shiraz, Grenache
✔️ Why It Works: Bold, fruity wines complement the tangy, sweet, and smoky flavors of BBQ ribs.
3.2. Smoky Ribs
✔️ Best Wine: Malbec, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon
✔️ Why It Works: These wines’ earthy notes pair with the rich, smoky flavor of grilled ribs.
💡 Tip: Match your wine to the sauce (sweet or smoky) for the best pairing!
4. Best Wines for Grilled Lamb
✔️ Best Wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot
✔️ Why It Works: Lamb pairs beautifully with bold red wines that can stand up to its gamey flavors.
💡 Tip: A young Syrah is an excellent choice for grilled lamb with herbs.
5. Best Wines for Grilled Chicken
5.1. Grilled Chicken with Spicy Sauce
✔️ Best Wine: Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé
✔️ Why It Works: Sweet, aromatic wines like Riesling balance the heat of spicy grilled chicken.
5.2. Grilled Chicken with Herb Marinade
✔️ Best Wine: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese
✔️ Why It Works: Herbaceous wines with a little body complement the light and savory flavors of grilled chicken.
💡 Tip: For grilled chicken, refreshing white wines or light reds work best.
6. Final Thoughts: Enjoying Wine & Grilled Meats
Pairing the right wine with grilled meat can elevate the meal and enhance the flavors. Bold reds pair best with steak and ribs, while lighter wines work well with chicken.
Next time you fire up the grill, be sure to pick the perfect wine to accompany your meal! 🍷🔥✨
