What wine is good for a summer BBQ?
%20(1240%20x%20860%20px).png)
Here in the Pacific Northwest, summer doesn’t officially arrive until July 5—at least, that’s the old saying! But that never stops us from getting a head start on BBQ season. Even though it’s only mid-March, I couldn’t resist taking advantage of the first nice day to have my husband grill up some ribs we picked up from Costco.
But let me back up for a second—this all started with a bottle of wine.
I’ve recently discovered that Costco has a fantastic wine selection—one that’s thoughtfully curated. So far, I haven’t bought a bottle I didn’t enjoy. Their selections tend to be well-balanced, easy to drink, and great for pairing with food. And the best part? Many of them are under $20!
On a recent trip, I spotted a Petite Sirah called Freakshow Petite Petit. I grabbed it on a whim—mostly because it was budget-friendly, but also because I loved the label and bottle! The only hesitation I had was that I often find Petite Sirah to be a bit too dry for my taste. Still, I decided to give it a shot.
When I looked into pairing recommendations, BBQ stood out immediately—which, of course, meant sending my husband to grab some ribs. And just like that, our first BBQ of the season was underway!
First, what kind of wine is Petite Sirah? The Bold Barbecue Companion
Petite Sirah is a full-bodied red wine known for its deep color, bold tannins, and rich, concentrated flavors. Despite its name, there’s nothing “petite” about it—it’s a powerhouse wine that packs a punch. Originally from France, it’s now widely grown in California, where it thrives in warm climates and produces intensely flavorful wines.
What It Smells and Tastes Like
- Aroma: Expect deep, dark fruit aromas like blackberry, blueberry, and plum, along with hints of black pepper, dark chocolate, vanilla, and smoky oak.
- Taste: On the palate, Petite Sirah is rich and bold, with flavors of ripe black fruit, mocha, licorice, and spice. The wine’s firm tannins and high acidity give it a structured, mouth-coating feel.
Is It Dry?
Yes, Petite Sirah is a dry red wine with high tannins. While it has rich, jammy fruit flavors, it’s not sweet—its bold structure and dryness make it a fantastic food wine.
What It Pairs Well With (Including BBQ!)
Because of its bold flavors and strong tannins, Petite Sirah pairs best with rich, smoky, and hearty foods:
- BBQ Favorites:
- Smoked brisket – The wine’s dark fruit and tannins complement the deep, slow-cooked flavors.
- BBQ ribs with a smoky sauce – Its bold structure stands up to sweet and tangy sauces.
- Grilled burgers with cheddar or blue cheese – The wine’s richness balances the fattiness of the meat.
- BBQ pulled pork – Especially if served with a spice rub or peppery sauce.
- Other Great Pairings:
- Grilled lamb chops – The wine’s bold tannins cut through the richness.
- Hard cheeses like aged cheddar or gouda – The wine’s structure and dark fruit complement nutty, aged cheeses.
- Spicy sausage or chorizo – Its depth helps balance spice and smoky flavors.
If you love big, bold reds like Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah is a fantastic (and often more affordable) alternative to bring to your next BBQ night!
What Else Pairs Well with BBQ
So, how do you know which wine to grab for your next cookout? And what are the different types of BBQ? Follow this simple rule of thumb:
1. Reds for Rich Meats
Think bold, smoky, and juicy—just like your BBQ. Reds with strong tannins and dark fruit flavors help cut through the fat and char.
🍷 Best picks: Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Malbec, Syrah/Shiraz
🔥 Try it with: Ribs, brisket, burgers, smoked sausages
2. Whites for Lighter Proteins
Grilled chicken, seafood, and veggies pair beautifully with crisp, refreshing white wines. They add a zesty contrast to smoky flavors without overwhelming the dish.
🍷 Best picks: Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño, Chardonnay (unoaked)
🔥 Try it with: BBQ chicken, shrimp skewers, grilled corn
3. Rosé & Sparkling for Versatility
When in doubt, go pink or bubbly! Dry rosés and sparkling wines have acidity and fruitiness that make them incredibly food-friendly—especially for those tricky BBQ sauces that mix sweet, tangy, and spicy notes.
🍷 Best picks: Dry Rosé, Prosecco, Brut Champagne
🔥 Try it with: Pulled pork, BBQ chicken, grilled veggies, anything with a spicy kick
No matter what’s on your grill, there’s a wine that can take it to the next level—without breaking the budget.
My Recommendations for Your Next Cook Out
(Organized by BBQ staples and their ideal under-$20 wine pairings)
🍔 Burgers & Steaks (bold, juicy, smoky)
- Wine Match: Malbec, Zinfandel, or Sirah
- Budget Pick: Freakshow Petite Petit Sirah
🍗 BBQ Chicken (Grilled, Glazed, or Smoked) (slightly sweet, smoky)
- Wine Match: Chardonnay (oaked for smoky flavors, unoaked for citrusy marinades) or Pinot Noir
- Budget Pick: Trader Joe’s 2023 Growers Reserve - An absolute steal at $6
🍖 Ribs & Pulled Pork (Sweet, Spicy, or Tangy Sauces)
- Wine Match: Zinfandel (for sweeter sauces) or Grenache (for spicier rubs)
- Budget Pick: Harvester Zinfandel Paso Robles By Hope Family Wines
🐟 Grilled Seafood (Shrimp, Salmon, White Fish)
- Wine Match: Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño, or Dry Rosé
- Budget Pick: Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc, 2023
🥗 Veggie Skewers, Grilled Corn, & Plant-Based BBQ
- Wine Match: Rosé or a crisp Pinot Grigio
Outdoor Wine Gear Essentials for BBQs and Beyond
Enjoying wine outdoors—whether at a backyard BBQ, picnic, or beach bonfire—is even better when you have the right gear. Here are some must-have wine essentials to make your outdoor sipping experience effortless and enjoyable:
1. Insulated Wine Tote
A good insulated wine tote keeps your bottle at the perfect temperature while making it easy to transport. Look for one with padded compartments to protect your bottles and space for extras like glasses or a corkscrew. Here’s a great two bottle tote option. Perfect for bringing your favorite wine to a BBQ or park picnic!
2. Unbreakable Wine Glasses
Traditional wine glasses are risky outside, so shatterproof stemless wine glasses (made from stainless steel or durable plastic) are a game-changer. No more worrying about broken glass on the patio or in the grass! Check out this set of four from Amazon.
3. Wine Chiller or Cooling Sleeve
When the sun is out, keeping your wine cool is key. A wine chiller or chilling sleeve helps maintain the perfect temperature for whites, rosés, or light reds, so you’re not stuck drinking warm wine. I like this one from Amazon as it's inexpensive and has some pretty designs to wrap into your decor.
4. Portable Wine Table
Tired of balancing your wine glass on uneven picnic tables or in the grass? A foldable wine and cheese picnic table keeps your wine steady and gives you space for snacks. Some even have slots to hold glasses securely! Or try this small charcuterie table to serve snacks while the grill is going.
5. Wine Stakes or Holders
If you’re at a BBQ, beach, or park, wine glass stakes prevent spills by securing your glass in the ground. Simply push them into the grass or sand and enjoy hands-free sipping! I love these ones as you can easily pop them into the grass next to you and it's a perfect fit for your wine glass.
6. Multi-Function Corkscrew & Bottle Opener
Don’t get caught without a way to open your wine! A compact corkscrew with a bottle opener is a must-have in any outdoor wine kit, making it easy to open both wine and other bottled drinks.
7. Wine Bottle Stopper & Pourer
If you don’t finish the bottle (hey, it happens!), a wine stopper keeps it fresh. A pourer prevents drips and helps aerate your wine, so every sip is smooth and enjoyable. Here's a small one that is great for a bottle.
8. Insulated Wine Tumbler with Lid
For moms multitasking at the grill or anyone enjoying a BBQ, an insulated wine tumbler with a lid keeps your drink at the perfect temp while preventing spills—because no one wants to waste good wine! Check out some of mine on Etsy!
Wrapping It Up: Cheers to BBQ Season!
BBQ season is all about easy, delicious food and great wine—and the best part? You don’t have to spend a fortune to find the perfect pairing. Whether you’re sipping on a bold Petite Sirah with smoky ribs, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc with grilled chicken, or a refreshing rosé that pairs with just about anything, there’s a budget-friendly wine out there to make every cookout even better.
Now, I’d love to hear from you! What’s your go-to BBQ wine? Drop your favorite pairings in the comments or tag me on social media when you find a new favorite. Let’s make this summer one to remember—one glass at a time! 🍷🔥
Check out my blog post on a great night in with the girl's over wine!
#WinePairing #BBQWinePairing #BBQ #Grill #Barbecue #BudgetFriendlyWines #WineLover #RedWine #WhiteWine #Foodie #FoodAndWine #BBQLovers #Grilling #Delicious #BBQSeason #ChickenLovers #BBQ #Summer #Weekend #Dinner #Summer #BackyardBBQ #SummerBBQ #EatDrinkTravel #SummerHouse
.jpg)
No comments:
Post a Comment