Backyard BBQ & Beyond

Backyard BBQ & Beyond

Grilling Season Kicks Off in Maryville!

June in Maryville, Tennessee, isn’t just about longer days; it’s synonymous with the irresistible aroma of backyard barbecues. As grills fire up across our community, the question often arises: what’s the perfect drink to pair with those smoky, savory, and sometimes spicy flavors? At Wine and Spirits Cellar, we believe that the right beverage can transform a good BBQ into a truly exceptional culinary experience. This blog post is your ultimate guide to selecting wines, beers, and spirits that will perfectly complement everything from juicy burgers and sizzling steaks to grilled vegetables and smoky ribs. Get ready to elevate your grilling game this June!

The King of the Grill: Perfect Pairings for Beef

When it comes to grilled beef, whether it’s a succulent steak, a classic burger, or hearty ribs, you need a beverage that can stand up to its rich flavors and often robust texture.

• Classic Red Wine Pairings for Steak and Burgers:

  • Cabernet Sauvignon: This is a quintessential steak wine for a reason. Its firm tannins and notes of blackcurrant, black cherry, and sometimes a hint of cedar or tobacco, cut through the richness of grilled beef, cleansing the palate with each sip.
  • Syrah/Shiraz: Whether from the Rhône Valley (Syrah) or Australia (Shiraz), these wines offer bold fruit, often with peppery, smoky, and sometimes bacon-like notes that perfectly echo the char and smokiness of grilled meats.
  • Zinfandel: A great American option, Zinfandel (especially from California) can be rich and jammy, with notes of blackberry, black pepper, and often a spicy finish that stands up beautifully to burgers and ribs with BBQ sauce.

• Beer and Spirit Options for Beef:

  • Craft Beers: For burgers, a robust American Pale Ale or an IPA with its hoppy bitterness and citrus notes can be a fantastic palate cleanser. For ribs, consider a darker lager or a brown ale that can complement the caramelized flavors.
  • Whiskey/Bourbon: A shot of fine bourbon or a peaty Scotch on the rocks can be a bold companion to a rich steak or smoked brisket. The smoky notes in the whiskey often echo the char on the meat.

Lighter Fare: Pairing with Chicken and Pork

Not every grill session involves heavy red meat. Chicken and pork are versatile grilling options that require a different approach to pairing.

Versatile Pairings for Grilled Chicken and Pork

These proteins can absorb marinades and spices, meaning your beverage choice can adapt to the preparation style.

• Wine Pairings for Grilled Chicken:

  • Chardonnay (Oaked): For grilled chicken with a richer sauce or a bit of char, an oaked Chardonnay with its creamy texture and notes of butter or vanilla can be a delightful match.
  • Sauvignon Blanc: If your chicken is seasoned with fresh herbs and lemon, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc will highlight those bright flavors.
  • Rosé: A dry, medium-bodied rosé is incredibly versatile and can handle anything from plain grilled chicken to chicken marinated in herbs and spices.

• Wine Pairings for Grilled Pork (Chops, Loin, Sausages):

  • Pinot Noir: Its bright acidity and red fruit notes make it a versatile pairing for grilled pork chops, especially when served with fruit-based sauces (like apple or cherry).
  • Zinfandel (Lighter Style) or Grenache: For pork sausages or more heavily spiced pork dishes, a fruity Zinfandel or a Grenache can stand up to the richer flavors.
  • Dry Riesling: Surprisingly, a dry Riesling with its vibrant acidity and sometimes petrol notes can cut through the richness of fatty pork and balance spicy marinades.

• Beer and Spirit Options for Chicken and Pork:

  • Lager or Pilsner: For simple grilled chicken or pork, a clean, crisp lager or pilsner is incredibly refreshing and won’t overpower the delicate flavors.
  • Wheat Beer (Witbier/Hefeweizen): The citrus and spice notes in wheat beers pair beautifully with chicken, especially those with lemon or herb marinades.
  • Tequila: For spicy pork tacos or chicken fajitas, a high-quality Tequila (perhaps in a Paloma or Margarita) can be a fantastic choice.

Green Goodness: Pairing with Grilled Vegetables and Veggie Burgers

The grill isn’t just for meat! Vegetables take on wonderful smoky flavors, and veggie burgers are a popular BBQ staple.

Complementing Grilled Vegetables and Vegetarian Options

Pairing with vegetables means considering their sweetness, earthiness, and sometimes slight bitterness.

• Wine Pairings for Grilled Veggies:

  • Sauvignon Blanc or Grüner Veltliner: These wines are excellent with green vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, and bell peppers, as their herbaceous notes and acidity complement the vegetables’ flavors.
  • Dry Rosé: A versatile choice for grilled vegetable platters, especially those with roasted peppers, onions, and eggplant.
  • Light-Bodied Red (e.g., Gamay): For heartier grilled vegetables like portobello mushrooms or grilled corn, a light red can stand up to the char and earthy notes.

• Beer Pairings for Veggie Burgers:

  • American Pale Ale: The balanced bitterness and hop aromatics of a Pale Ale can cut through the richness of a veggie burger and complement any savory toppings.
  • Amber Ale: Offers a slightly sweeter, malty profile that can work well with the earthy flavors of many veggie burgers.

The Grand Finale: Dessert and After-Dinner Delights

Even after the main course, your beverage choices can continue to impress.

Sweet Endings: Post-BBQ Drinks

Wrap up your grilling session with something sweet or soothing.

• Dessert Wine Pairings:

  • Moscato d’Asti: For fruit tarts or berry-based desserts, a light, effervescent, and sweet Moscato d’Asti is a perfect match.
  • Port or Sherry: For darker desserts like chocolate brownies or grilled fruit with caramelized notes, a richer Port or a sweet Sherry can be a luxurious end to the meal.

• After-Dinner Spirits:

  • Bourbon or Whiskey: A classic choice for relaxing after a meal, especially after rich meats. Enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or with a splash of water.
  • Digestifs: Consider options like Amaro, Grappa, or even a chilled Limoncello for a refreshing and palate-cleansing finish.

Your Summer Grilling Destination: Wine and Spirits Cellar

This June, make Wine and Spirits Cellar in Maryville your trusted partner for all your backyard BBQ and grilling needs. Our expansive selection of wines, craft beers, and premium spirits ensures you’ll find the perfect pairing for every dish, every guest, and every memorable moment. Don’t just grill; elevate your grilling experience with expert beverage selections. Stop by and let our knowledgeable team help you craft the ultimate summer menu, from sizzling starters to sweet conclusions. Happy grilling, Maryville!