Craft & Cork >> Wine
Hot Grills, Cool Reds
As the days grow warmer and the sun sets later, it’s the backyard patio that becomes the family gathering place —a place centered around the grill with aromas of barbecued specialties filling the air. Fresh herbs… rich sauces… spicy chillies —with so many recipes to try, it can seem a little confusing to pull together all the right flavours and create the perfect meal. The answer: successful wine-food pairing for outdoor barbecuing is about simplicity. Don’t choose a wine that requires too much thought because the setting doesn’t call for that. The wines should fit the food and they should also fit the casual mood of the season. So, remember this: The hottest grills go with the coolest reds. Fire up your summer with these sizzling food and red wine pairings.
California Syrah Style Wine. Syrah (also known as Shiraz) is most known for its bold, fruity flavours from currants, blackberries and sweet blueberries with a signature spicy peppery finish. This wine pairs well with chili, casseroles, rich pastas and all barbecued foods— especially burgers. Think of Syrah as the burger wine and you will always make the perfect match. Also, remember to sip this wine (in a Bordeaux-style wine glass) at a slower pace to properly savour its aroma and taste.
Italy Sangiovese Style Wine. This light, fresh red has a flavour profile of sour red cherries with earthy aromas and tea leaf notes. Because of its medium tannins and high acidity, this delicious wine goes with charcuterie, smoked meats, grilled veggies, saucy pasta and everything that is served with cheese —especially pizza. (Remember Sangiovese as the pizza wine.) Have you tried making pizza on the grill yet? It’s simple and delicious, here’s how to do it:
- Place your stretched and shaped pizza dough directly on the hot grill with the lid down.
- After 2 minutes, the top of the pizza dough will start bubbling up with air pockets and should be removed grilled side up onto a cookie sheet.
- Next, brush with olive oil, add sauce and toppings and slide back on the grill for another 2-3 minutes with the lid down. When it’s done, the bottom of the crust will be a little charred and the cheese melty. Enjoy!
Cheers to your summer savoury experiences!
Recent Comments