Ideas for July 4th BBQ Wine Pairings
The July 4th holiday is a time to celebrate with your family and friends in hot weather with good food and refreshing beverages. There is no shortage of the variety of cuisine stocked in coolers for firework parties or heading to the lake, much the same for beverages.
Are you looking to bring a little sophistication to your holiday barbecue this year? Let’s put together some flavor themes to take your taste buds on a ride this summer. Try lining up a few of these wine pairings with your favorite Fourth of July dishes and you’ll fall in love with them all over again.
Zinfandel and Grilled Ribs
Barbecue ribs have a lot going on in terms of flavor. Every grill master has their style, but by and large, ribs are flavored with a healthy marriage of sweetness and spice. When choosing a wine to pair, you’ll want something to mesh with each type of boldness in the seasoned meat. A fruity Zinfandel will check that box and leave your tastebuds wanting more.
Sauvignon Blanc and Grilled Veggies
Whether vegetables are a side dish or your main course, there is a wine for that too. Mixing a few starchy veggies like zucchini and eggplant with some flavorful veggies like bell pepper and onion will create a filling dish with a rich and earthy flavor. Something crisp and summery like a Sauvignon Blanc will appeal to the layers of flavor in a grilled vegetable medley such as this. It’s going to be a pairing you’ll end up coming back to all summer long.
Chardonnay and Mac’N’Cheese – Who Would Have Thought?
Mac’N’Cheese is a crowd-pleaser for all ages. For your holiday parties this summer, you can switch up your recipe by loading it with savory cheese varieties and mild seasonings. The right Chardonnay has a bold flavor that will complement the creamy richness of the pasta. It’s a match that will help the timeless dish finally graduate from the kids’ table.
Moscato and Rosé – The Ultimate Dessert Wines
A chilled Moscato is always refreshing and easy to sip, probably because it’s so perfectly, mildly sweet. How much better would it be to pair it with your favorite barbecue dessert? Whether you reach for a crisp berry salad, strawberry shortcake, or even a dish of citrus sherbet, a Moscato would offer a welcome emphasis on the fruity flavors. If your palate doesn’t prefer the sweetness of Moscato, a sparkling Rosé would complement your dessert just as well.
We’re not sure if the food makes the wine taste better or if it’s the other way around, we just know that these complementing flavors will bring your palate to life. Of course, the combination options are as endless as blends of wine, so don’t be afraid to experiment to find pairings you love. Try these combinations to rev up the flavor party at your July 4th Holiday barbecue, and you and your friends won’t be the only ones in good company.
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Check out these other great blogs below for more inspiration when it comes to finding the perfect food and wine pairings for your July 4th festivities.