National Wine Day is a time for wine lovers to celebrate the history, traditions, and types of wine that we all love. And if you ever needed an excuse to fire up the grill and pour a glass, this would be the day. So pair your beloved beverage with these magnificent, grill-friendly recipes for a memorable meal.
1. Grilled Lobster with Chardonnay
| Lobster is a delicious delicacy enjoyed across the country, and there’s no better wine to pair it with than a chardonnay. This Grilled Lobster Tail with Baja Butter strikes a smooth balance with chardonnay, as the notes of vanilla in the wine accentuate the sweet and succulent nature of the lobster. The lighter the chardonnay, the better in this case. Chardonnays with more minerals and only light touches of fruit and oak will ensure the flavors do not harshly contrast. Avoid red wine when looking to pair a beverage with lobster, as the tannins in most red wines do not react well with the iodine found in lobster. |
2. Big Bold Beefy Barbecue Bones with Zinfandel
| As is the case with most wine and food pairings, you want to match strength with strength, and judging by the name of this meal, it’s important to have a wine that puts its best foot forward. These Big Bold Beefy Barbecue Bones offer a distinct barbecue taste, as the recommended barbecue sauce is made using the strong flavors that come from spices like onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. This pairs nicely with a zinfandel, which is a classic red wine with a peppery aroma and flavor that blends with the smoky characteristic of barbecue. |
3. Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Butter with Sauvignon Blanc
| As a general rule, the color of your meat should match the color of your wine, so white meats like turkey or chicken should be paired with white wines. This Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Butter recipe is the perfect candidate to have with a Sauvignon Blanc. Often praised for its refreshing crispness, sauvignon blanc will be the perfect drink to have as grilling season continues to heat up. With high levels of acidity and low amounts of sugar, this wine matches the fresh taste you get from the cilantro butter infusion with your chicken. |
4. Barbecue Peach & Blueberry Pie with Rosé
| You can’t finish your barbecue without making a savory dessert on the grill. This Barbecue Peach & Blueberry Pie recipe has met its match in the form of rosé. As many know, rosé has grown in popularity across the country in recent years, and that’s due in large part to its beautiful color and delicious taste. Rosé tends to be fresh on the palate, with crisp acidity. It also is associated with common fruit flavors, like strawberry, watermelon, and raspberry. With such a fruit-based influence, it’s the perfect wine to sip with your pie. |
Are you ready for National Wine Day? With plenty of options to choose from, remember to pair your food with complementary wine flavors. Match meaty and strong dark meats with robust red wines, and clean and simple white meats with white wines. These wine pairing guidelines are a great way to experiment with flavors, but we understand that everyone’s palate is different, so if you choose a wine you love, you can’t go wrong. And if you need a few new recipes to add to your wine collection, be sure to visit our Blue Rhino recipes page, filled with everything from quick appetizers to sweet desserts! Enjoy your National Wine Day!
Published: 2019.04.18 | Last updated: 2022.02.18