Easter Dinner Means Smoke and Chocolate
Easter in Texas means it’s time to light some fires and get to smoking…meats that is (although it does fall on 4/20 this year). But does wine pair with BBQ? Heck yes it does! It just needs to hold up to the intense flavors of the smoke, the rubs, and the sauces.
There are several options for pairing wines and barbecue. Since typically a barbecue consists of a variety of meats, from chicken to brisket, you need wine that will run the gamut. The type of wine you choose should first and foremost be a wine that you and your guests like. A food and wine pairing will never work if it’s wine you wouldn’t enjoy otherwise. So, in this quick guide, I will give options of dry and sweet wines that will optimize your barbecue experience. I’ve broken down some different types of Barbecue offerings and what I feel are terrific options for wine pairings.
Deviled Eggs
To cut through the richness of the egg yolks, you need wines with a bit more acid, but not too bold. On the dry side, try a crisp sparkling wine like Alberto Nani Prosecco from Italy or Vilarnau Cava from Spain. For a sweeter wine, try J. Lohr “Bay Mist” Riesling or Copa’s White Sangria.
Smoked Chicken or Turkey
White wines are traditional for poultry pairings, but Barbecued poultry has its own set of wine opportunities. But let’s start with whites anyway. For dry options, try a crisp Chardonnay like Goldschmidt “Singing Tree” from the Russian River Valley. A wine like Tintero Moscato d’Asti will satisfy your sweet tooth. If dry Rose’ is your jam, try The Pale Rose’ by Sacha Lichine from Southern France will put some color in your cheeks. Pairing red wines with smoked poultry is easy because of the assertive flavors. A wonderful choice for a dry red would be Georges Dubouef Beaujolais Villages Nouveau is perfect (and even better with a little chill on it). For a sweet red, try Vivace Dolce Rosso from Italy.
Smoked brisket pairs perfectly with a bold red!
Smoked Pork, Sausage, and Brisket
Bold reds are ideal for the intensely flavored and fatty meats. Four Vines Old Vines Zinfandel or Prayers of Sinners Red Blend will be big enough to stand up to those succulent meats. For a sweet red try Carino Sweet Red from Italy. But, again, if you prefer whites, the Poultry recommendations will pair very well.
I hope you all have a wonderful and safe Easter. - Jeff