Memorial Day Weekend with the Best Cookout Pairings
Memorial Day weekend marks the official start of the warm summer season here in East Tennessee. Families across Blount County are firing up their grills, clean-up crews are prepping backyard patios, and neighbors are gathering for long-overdue cookouts. While everyone focuses heavily on sourcing the perfect rack of ribs or marinating the juiciest chicken, the drinks often end up as an afterthought. Elevating your holiday weekend requires matching those smoky, rich barbecue flavors with beverages that enhance every single bite.
The Magic of Pinot Noir with Smoked Meats
When you serve classic southern pulled pork, you need a wine that balances the heavy smoke and sweet sauces. Heavy red wines often clash with sweet barbecue glaze, but a chilled Pinot Noir works beautifully. This light-to-medium-bodied red wine offers bright cherry notes and high acidity, which easily cuts through the richness of the pork fat. It refreshes your palate between bites without overpowering the meat. Swing by our aisle and grab a bottle from the Willamette Valley or California coastal regions to impress your dinner guests.
White Wines That Handle the Heat
If your cookout features grilled chicken, flaky fish, or spicy jalapeño poppers, step away from the heavy reds entirely. Instead, look toward a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry, refreshing Rosé. A high-acid Sauvignon Blanc brings citrusy notes of lime and green apple that act like a fresh squeeze of lemon over your grilled poultry. Additionally, a chilled Rosé offers a beautiful, versatile option that pairs well with everything from potato salad to grilled shrimp skewers.
Bourbon and Barbecue: A Match Made in Tennessee
We cannot discuss a true Tennessee cookout without mentioning bourbon. The natural caramelization from oak barrels provides bourbon with distinct vanilla and baking spice notes, mirroring the charred flavors of the grill. For an incredible pairing, mix up a classic backyard Bourbon Lemonade using a premium pour. The bright citrus tames the heat of the alcohol, while the sweet corn mash base of the whiskey complements your favorite smoky barbecue sauces.
Craft Beers for the Ultimate Grilling Session
For beer lovers, matching the weight of the food with the weight of the beer ensures a successful pairing. Light lagers keep you cool while standing over a hot grill, but they can get lost next to heavy brisket. Try pairing a bold, hoppy India Pale Ale (IPA) with spicy sausages to let the bitterness accent the spices. If you prefer a smoother profile, an amber ale provides a wonderful malty sweetness that pairs seamlessly with grilled burgers and caramelized onions. Stop by Wine & Spirits Cellar on West Broadway Avenue today to stock your cooler with the perfect seasonal selections for your holiday weekend!