BBQ Pork Wine Pairing – The Best Wines for BBQ Pork

As the weather warms up and backyard BBQs become more frequent, it’s time to step up your game with your BBQ pork wine pairing.

While beer may be the traditional go-to beverage for BBQ, wine can be a delicious and sophisticated alternative.

With the right pairing, wine can complement the smoky flavors of BBQ pork and enhance the overall dining experience.

So, what wine goes with BBQ pork?

The best wines to pair with BBQ pork are Pinot Noir, Red Zinfandel, and Merlot. These wines have a fruity flavor that pairs well with the smoky flavor of the pork. They also bring out the sweetness of the sauce while providing a pleasant balance to the savory flavors of the pork.

In this article, we’ll explore the best wines for BBQ pork, including red, white, and rosé options, as well as some other wines to consider.

We’ll also provide some tasty BBQ pork and wine dinner serving ideas, as well as tips for serving temperature and glassware.

So, whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply looking to elevate your next BBQ, read on to discover the perfect BBQ pork wine pairing.

Why Consider Serving Wine With BBQ Pork?

When it comes to BBQ, most people reach for a cold beer or a soda to wash down their meal.

However, wine can be an excellent choice to pair with BBQ pork, offering a range of flavors that complement and enhance the smoky, savory taste of the meat.

1. One of the main reasons to consider serving wine with BBQ pork is that it provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the meat. Wine has a natural acidity that can cut through the fat and grease, cleansing the palate and leaving you ready for another bite. Additionally, the tannins found in red wine can help to balance the sweetness of BBQ sauce, preventing it from becoming cloying or overpowering.
2. Another reason to pair wine with BBQ pork is that it can help to bring out the complex flavors of the meat. The subtle nuances of smoke, spice, and char can be highlighted by the right wine, creating a truly memorable dining experience. Plus, wine can offer a greater range of flavors and aromas than beer, allowing you to explore different taste profiles and find the perfect match for your BBQ pork.
3. Finally, serving wine with BBQ pork can elevate the overall dining experience and impress your guests. It shows that you’ve put thought and effort into your meal and that you’re willing to experiment with different flavor combinations. Plus, it adds an element of sophistication to your backyard BBQ, making it feel like a special occasion rather than just another cookout.

The Best Red Wines For BBQ Pork

When it comes to pairing red wine with BBQ pork, you’ll want to look for wines that have a rich, bold flavor profile and a good balance of acidity and tannins.

Here are some of the best red wines to consider:

1. Zinfandel: Zinfandel is a popular choice for BBQ pork because it has a bold, spicy flavor that can stand up to the smoky, savory taste of the meat. Look for a California Zinfandel that has a high alcohol content and notes of black pepper, dark fruit, and vanilla.
2. Syrah/Shiraz: Syrah or Shiraz is another great option for pairing with BBQ pork. These wines have a bold, peppery flavor with notes of dark fruit, smoke, and leather. Look for a bottle from Australia or the Rhône Valley in France for the best pairing.
3. Malbec: Malbec is a medium-bodied red wine that has a rich, fruity flavor with notes of blackberry, plum, and spice. It’s a great option for BBQ pork because it has a good balance of tannins and acidity, making it a versatile pairing.
4. Petite Sirah: Petite Sirah is a full-bodied red wine that has a rich, dark flavor with notes of blackberry, blueberry, and chocolate. It’s a great option for pairing with BBQ pork because it has a high tannin content that can stand up to the richness of the meat.
5. Pinot Noir: If you’re looking for a lighter-bodied red wine to pair with BBQ pork, Pinot Noir is a great option. It has a smooth, silky texture with notes of red fruit, earth, and spice. Look for a bottle from Oregon or California for the best pairing.

The Best White Wines For BBQ Pork

While red wines are a popular choice for BBQ pork, don’t overlook the potential of white wines. The right white wine can offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the meat and bring out its complex flavors.

Here are some of the best white wines to consider:

1. Riesling: Riesling is a versatile white wine that can pair well with a variety of different BBQ pork dishes. Look for a bottle from Germany or the Alsace region of France, which will have a crisp acidity and notes of green apple, lime, and peach.
2. Chardonnay: Chardonnay is a full-bodied white wine that can stand up to the richness of BBQ pork. Look for a bottle that has been aged in oak, which will give it a buttery, creamy texture with notes of vanilla and spice.
3. Sauvignon Blanc: Sauvignon Blanc is a light-bodied white wine that has a refreshing acidity and notes of citrus, grass, and tropical fruit. It’s a great option for pairing with BBQ pork because it can cut through the fat and cleanse the palate.
4. Gewürztraminer: Gewürztraminer is a full-bodied white wine that has a rich, spicy flavor with notes of lychee, rose petal, and ginger. It’s a great option for pairing with BBQ pork that has been seasoned with a spicy rub or sauce.
5. Chenin Blanc: Chenin Blanc is a versatile white wine that can pair well with a variety of different BBQ pork dishes. Look for a bottle from the Loire Valley in France, which will have a crisp acidity and notes of green apple, honey, and nuts.

The Best Rosé Wines For BBQ Pork

Rosé wine is a versatile option that can pair well with a variety of different foods, including BBQ pork. It has a refreshing acidity and a range of flavors that can complement and enhance the taste of the meat.

Here are some of the best rosé wines to consider:

1. Provence Rosé: Provence Rosé is a popular choice for pairing with BBQ pork because it has a crisp acidity and a light, refreshing flavor. Look for a bottle that has notes of strawberry, peach, and citrus.
2. Tavel Rosé: Tavel Rosé is a full-bodied rosé wine that has a rich, fruity flavor with notes of raspberry, cherry, and spice. It’s a great option for pairing with BBQ pork that has been seasoned with a spicy rub or sauce.
3. Sangria: Sangria is a refreshing and fruity option that can be a great match for BBQ pork. It’s made with red wine, fruit, and often a bit of brandy or other spirits, and can be served over ice with a slice of fruit for a fun and festive pairing.
4. Rosé Champagne: If you’re looking for a more upscale option for pairing with BBQ pork, consider a bottle of Rosé Champagne. It has a delicate, effervescent texture with notes of strawberry, peach, and brioche that can complement the richness of the meat.
5. White Zinfandel: White Zinfandel is a sweet, fruity option that can be a great match for BBQ pork. It has a refreshing acidity and notes of raspberry, watermelon, and strawberry that can provide a nice contrast to the smoky, savory flavor of the meat.

Other Wines To Pair With BBQ Pork

In addition to red, white, and rosé wines, there are a few other wine options that can be great for pairing with BBQ pork. Here are some to consider:

1. Sparkling Wine: Sparkling wine can be a great option for pairing with BBQ pork. It has a refreshing acidity and effervescence that can cut through the richness of the meat. Look for a bottle of brut or extra brut sparkling wine, which will be dry and crisp.
2. Port: Port is a sweet, fortified wine that can be a great match for BBQ pork that has been seasoned with a sweet or fruity rub or sauce. Look for a bottle of tawny port, which has a nutty, caramel flavor that can complement the smoky taste of the meat.
3. Sherry: Sherry is a versatile fortified wine that can pair well with a variety of different BBQ pork dishes. Look for a bottle of amontillado or oloroso sherry, which will have a rich, nutty flavor that can complement the smoky, savory taste of the meat.
4. Rosé Cider: If you’re looking for a fun and festive option for pairing with BBQ pork, consider a bottle of rosé cider. It’s made with fermented apple juice and often has a fruity, floral flavor that can complement the sweetness of the meat.
5. Lambrusco: Lambrusco is a sparkling red wine from Italy that can be a great match for BBQ pork. It has a refreshing acidity and a fruity flavor with notes of blackberry, cherry, and spice.

5 Tasty BBQ Pork And Wine Dinner Serving Ideas

Pairing wine with BBQ pork can be a delicious and sophisticated way to elevate your next backyard BBQ.

Here are five tasty BBQ pork and wine dinner serving ideas to try:

1. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches and Zinfandel: For a classic BBQ pork pairing, try serving pulled pork sandwiches with a bold and spicy Zinfandel. The wine’s dark fruit and peppery notes will complement the smoky flavor of the meat.
2. Grilled Pork Chops and Riesling: For a lighter BBQ pork dish, try grilling pork chops and serving them with a crisp and refreshing Riesling. The wine’s citrus and green apple notes will cut through the richness of the meat and provide a nice contrast.
3. BBQ Pork Ribs and Malbec: For a full-bodied and rich pairing, try serving BBQ pork ribs with a fruity and spicy Malbec. The wine’s notes of blackberry, plum, and spice will complement the sweetness of the BBQ sauce and the smokiness of the meat.
4. Pulled Pork Tacos and Rosé: For a fun and festive pairing, try serving pulled pork tacos with a refreshing and fruity rosé. The wine’s notes of strawberry, peach, and citrus will provide a nice contrast to the savory flavor of the meat and the spiciness of the salsa.
5. BBQ Pork Belly and Pinot Noir: For a decadent and indulgent pairing, try serving BBQ pork belly with a silky and smooth Pinot Noir. The wine’s notes of red fruit, earth, and spice will complement the richness of the meat and provide a nice balance.

Serving Temperature And Glassware

To fully enjoy your BBQ pork and wine pairing, it’s important to serve the wine at the right temperature and in the appropriate glassware.

• For red wines, you’ll want to serve them at a slightly cooler temperature than room temperature, between 55-65°F (13-18°C). This will help to bring out the wine’s complex flavors and aromas. You can chill the wine in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving if needed.
• For white wines and rosé, you’ll want to serve them chilled, between 45-55°F (7-13°C). This will help to highlight the wine’s refreshing acidity and fruitiness. You can chill the wine in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before serving, or in an ice bucket for 30 minutes.

When it comes to glassware, choose a glass that has a large bowl and a narrow rim. This will allow the wine to breathe and release its aromas, while also concentrating the flavors on your palate.

For red wines, choose a glass with a wider bowl that allows for a larger surface area of the wine to be exposed to air.

For white wines and rosé, choose a glass with a narrower bowl that helps to preserve the wine’s refreshing acidity and fruitiness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, serving wine with BBQ pork can be a delicious and sophisticated way to elevate your next backyard BBQ.

The right wine can complement and enhance the smoky, savory taste of the meat, and provide a refreshing contrast to its richness.

So, what wine pairs well with BBQ pork?

The best wines to pair with BBQ pork are Pinot Noir, Red Zinfandel, and Syrah. These aromatic red wines have medium-bodied tannins that will complement the smoky flavors of the pork. They also pair well with a variety of spices used in barbecue sauces.

In this article, we’ve explored the best wines for BBQ pork, including red, white, and rosé options, as well as some other wines to consider.

We’ve also provided some tasty BBQ pork and wine dinner serving ideas, as well as tips for serving temperature and glassware.

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply looking to try something new, there’s a perfect BBQ pork wine pairing out there for you. So, fire up the grill and pour yourself a glass of wine – it’s time to enjoy the perfect BBQ pork pairing!