Best Wines for Grillin'

Pairings & Tips
Written By Mallory Smith
Wines to pair with grilled foods

Who loves grillin’? Last week we talked about chilled reds. Did you miss it? Catch up here. 

But now…my next summer obsession… 

I swear, grilling takes every piece of meat, produce, fruit, etc. to the next level. Tofu? Grill it. Cucumber? Grill it. Lemon? Grill it. This wilted kale that’s been in the bottom of the veggie drawer for too long? I don’t know, let’s try grilling it!

Alright so you have all your grilled foods…done. But what about the wiiiiiiine??? You're asking the right questions.

Here are a few of my favorite and go-to wines to pair with grilled food.

Riesling
Fruity, citrusy and super aromatic. Try a Riesling with a mustard-based BBQ sauce on chicken or pork ribs. If there is some sweetness in the sauce, try it with a Riesling that is slightly off-dry like a Kabinett from Germany. (Just do it and trust me.)

Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo Rosato
These dark and woodsy rosés from Italy are known for their low-fruitiness, intense minerality, and slightly bitter finish. 

Rhône Valley blends
Any Côtes du Rhône blend (often referred to as a GSM—Grenache, Syrah, Mouvedré) is low-ish on tannin, fruity, and can have both floral and smokey notes. Try with sausages, burgers and pork ribs. 


P.S. Are you a member of Sunday School Wine Society? Download our Wines For Grillin’ Pairing Guide to learn the logic behind how to pair wines with grilled things, plus many more wines for grillin’ recommendations. Not a member? Join! 👉 

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Mallory Smith
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