Wines for grill and barbecue

The love of a good barbecue / grill out is a tradition many cultures around the world share. Social norms, which let me just say are heavily influenced by the media we watch and read, typically make you associate barbecued or grilled foods with beer.


I must admit- a good quality beer, served cold, complements anything from a American BBQ to a Argentinean parrillada wonderfully.

However, there are wines that go with barbecue as well. Here are a few that were recently highlighted in this San Francisco Chronicle article:


2006 Earthquake Zin Lodi Zinfandel ($28)
This registers at least 7.0 on the Richter scale - with enough power, spice and jammy fruit to conquer most tomato-based barbecue sauces. Blended with a little Petite Sirah and Syrah... Click to read more

2007 Feudi di San Gregorio Sannio Falanghina ($16)
A meld of stone fruit, pear, golden apple and Meyer lemon; aromatic with more body than expected. The balance and tart, clean finish speaks to both grilled vegetables and shrimp. A Sauvignon Blanc like the 2007 Vina Robles Paso Robles bottling ($14) will also work... Click to read more

2006 Hess Collection Allomi Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($25)
Intense nose of dark berry, loam and creme brulee with similar berry, chocolate hints and supple tannins on the palate. A relatively inexpensive Napa Valley Cab that will pair well with grilled meats... Click to read more

2006 JC Cellars California Cuvee Syrah ($25)
This is blended from multiple vineyards and appellations, resulting in a deep, rich California-style Syrah. Ripe aromas and flavors of blackberry, loam and pepper with generous lashings of oak. Includes 21 percent Petite Sirah... Click to read more

2007 King Estate Winery Domaine Oregon Pinot Gris ($25)
Oregon's organically farmed King Estate, founded in 1991 by the King family, produces Pinot Gris on 300 of its 465 acres. Lovely aromas and flavors of citrus, stone fruit and spice underscored with hints of mineral; rather lush mouthfeel... Click to read more