Wine Pairing Ideas: Grilled Food

Wine is a delicious beverage to sip with this season's grilled foods. It's still summer and America is still grilling -

Wine is a delicious beverage to sip with this season's grilled foods. It's still summer and America is still grilling - some of our top grilling favorites are steak, hamburgers, chicken, ribs and pork chops. Of course, the best advice in pairing wine with any food is to enjoy the wines you like with the foods you like. But for those seeking a little guidance, try these simple wine pairings the next time one of these favorites hits the grill.

Grilled Steak

Side Suggestions: try with grilled asparagus and tomatoes.

Wine Suggestions: there is nothing better with steak off the grill than the richness and distinct flavor of Cabernet Sauvignon. For those who favor a hearty red with a spicy overtone, a Shiraz from Australia will be sure to please.

Grilled Chicken

Side Suggestions: try with grilled red, yellow and green bell peppers.

Wine Suggestions: grilled chicken can be great with almost any wine, but the bell peppers are well served with Sauvignon Blanc for those who favor a crisp white wine, or a Chianti, with its light and easy-to-enjoy spiciness for a red wine pairing.

Pork Chops

Side Suggestions: try with grilled pineapple and/or peaches.

Wine Suggestions: grilled pork chops are always a good match for the smooth and mellow flavors of Merlot, and the grilled pineapple will accentuate the match. Chardonnay offers a great companion of fruit.

Ribs

Side Suggestion: try with grilled corn.

Wine Suggestions: a wine with lots of flavor is called for when grilling with barbecue sauce. A peppery Syrah, with great texture and flavor intensity, or (for those who prefer white or fresh, fruity wines) a dry Riesling from California, Oregon or Washington state will nicely fit the bill.

Hamburger

Side Suggestion: try with grilled potatoes.

Wine Suggestions: the all-American backyard favorite is great with Zinfandel - red for those who like a dry, flavorful accompaniment to their burgers, or White Zinfandel for those who like the soft and luscious fruit flavor that perfectly balances grilled onions and tart condiments such as mustard.

Information courtesy of Wine Market Council.