We don’t believe there is any food that isn’t screaming to be paired with wine; and in our book grilled foods are no exception.

While Minnesota Uncorked’s general rule of thumb for selecting wines is “if you like it, drink it”, we can’t argue that some flavors compliment others more favorably.  Drew Fuller, the regional wine expert for locally owned & operated Surdyk’s helps make navigating the wine section really simple simple for your next barbecue with a few reasonably priced recommendations.

Wine Recommendations for Steak

Woodland Hill Winery Vinny’s Red (Delano, MN), $21.99 at Surdyk’s
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McNab Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon (Hopland, CA) $17.99 at Surdyk’s
As a general guideline, the leaner the meat, the lighter the wine. For a richer cut (such as prime rib), consider a bolder wine such as McNab Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon.  If you would like to try a local wine instead, Woodland Hill Winery Vinny’s Red is a complex, oak-aged red that will impress most lovers of California/Napa red wines.

Wine Pairing for Hamburgers

Wild Mountain Winery Arrowhead Red (Taylors Falls, MN), $17.49 at Surdyk’s
Arrowhead red is a fun blend of Marquette, Frontenac, and Marechal Foch grapes (all Minnesota native grape varieties). This medium-bodied red has hints of oak and will be a delight with a juicy burger. Frankly, this wine just pairs well with anything from the grill.

Pork Ribs and Wine

Saint Croix Vineyards Frontenac Red (Stillwater, MN), $17.99 at Surdyk’s
Beer may be the first pairing that comes to mind here, but succulent barbecued meats have no better friend than a complex, spicy red with lush, dark fruity flavors. Saint Croix Vineyard’s Frontenac hits that mark perfectly. For this wine we recommend you pick up two bottles, since you’ll need something to sip on as you wait for those ribs to slow-cook.

Wine Pairing for Brats

Saint Croix Vineyards La Crescent (Stillwater, MN) $15.99, Surdyk’s
La Crescent is an off-dry white wine which has some similarities to Riesling, a german-style wine which is also a good accompaniment to pork, including brats.

Grilled Chicken Wine Recommendations

Charles and Charles Rose (Columbia Valley, WA) $12.99, Surdyk’s
or Alexis Bailly Seyval Blanc (Hastings, MN), $16.99, Surdyk’s
Charles and Charles Rose is a crisp, dry yet still fruity wine, and a refreshing way to kick off summer!  If you want to try something local then grab a bottle of Alexis Bailly’s Seyval Blanc which is also fruity and crisp, a nice compliment to simply prepared grilled chicken.

Salmon Wine Pairing

Carmel Road Pinot Noir (Monterrey, CA) $18.99, Surdyk’s

If you’ve heard to drink white wine with fish and red wine with meat, salmon is an exception. Pinot Noir is a light red that won’t overpower salmon. Salmon, a light and slightly oily but somewhat sweet flavored fish, is offset well with the earthy flavors, spice and slight acidity of Pinot Noir.