As soon as the warm weather arrives, barbecuing becomes a must for meals with family or friends. Red meats, sausages, skewers, poultry, grilled fish or vegetables: there are countless options and just as many food and wine pairings to explore.
While red wine is often the first type of wine that comes to mind when it comes to pairing with a barbecue, it is far from the only option. In fact, depending on the foods served, the marinades used, or the intensity of certain flavors, some whites or rosés can also be excellent choices.
So, should you always go for bold reds with a ribeye steak? Choose fruitier wines with grilled sausages? Is white wine a must for pairing with barbecued fish? Find all our tips in this article and discover the perfect pairing to make the most of your barbecue!
Contents
The best wine styles for a barbecue
Fruity red wines
Fruity reds are often the best companions for a barbecue. Their smoothness, red fruit aromas, and low tannin levels make them a perfect match for sausages, skewers, or grilled pork. They bring freshness without overpowering the smoky flavors from grilling.
Grape varieties such as Gamay, Pinot Noir or a lightly extracted Grenache Noir are especially well-suited for summer barbecues. Their indulgent profile will easily complement a wide range of grilled dishes.
Gamay, the perfect grape variety for your barbecue
Full-bodied red wines
Full-bodied reds are a natural match for grilled beef cuts. Wines from the Rhône Valley, Languedoc-Roussillon, or Bordeaux generally offer a robust structure that stands up well to the intensity of red meats.
Wines made from Syrah, or Mourvèdre or even Cabernet Sauvignon have the depth needed to pair with the richest and most flavorful grilled dishes.
Full-bodied red wine and grilled ribeye: a perfect pairing
White wines
Often underrated, white wines truly shine at a barbecue when paired with grilled fish, or shellfish and even certain marinated poultry. Their freshness balances smoky flavors and brings a welcome lightness to summer meals.
Grape varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc or Vermentino offer aromatic profiles that pair beautifully with grilled fish or seafood skewers.A generous Chardonnay from Burgundy is an excellent match for poultry dishes.
Rosé wines
Rosé wine remains a must-have for sunny meals. Rosés from Provence, in particular, are loved for their freshness, fruity notes, and versatility at the table. They pair easily with mixed grills, vegetables, and summer salads.
Their light and refreshing profile also makes them an excellent choice for chicken skewers, sausages, or grilled white meats.
Which wine pairs best with each type of barbecue?
Let's now dive into the details with some more specific tips based on the dish you're preparing.
| Barbecue type | Wine style | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Rib steak | Full-bodied reds | Bordeaux • Crozes-Hermitage • Châteauneuf-du-Pape • Pic-Saint-Loup |
| Sausages Merguez | Fruity and smooth reds | Beaujolais • Pinot Noir • Côtes-du-Roussillon |
| Chicken and poultry | Round whites, rosés, and light reds | Côtes-de-Provence • Rully Rouge • Mâcon Blanc |
| Grilled fish | Fresh and crisp whites | Sancerre • Pouilly-Fumé • Chablis |
| Lamb chops | Spicy and full-bodied reds | Saint-Joseph • Cornas • Châteauneuf-du-Pape • Haut-Médoc |
| Pork ribs | Generous and spicy reds | Terrasses du Larzac • Côtes-du-Rhône |
| Grilled vegetables | Fruity whites or crisp rosés | Côtes-de-Provence • Sauvignon Blanc • Vermentino |
Wine with a ribeye steak
Ribeye steak calls for a wine with a certain structure. Powerful red wines from the Rhône Valley, Languedoc-Roussillon, or Bordeaux are particularly well-suited here. Their tannins will perfectly complement the texture of the meat while enhancing the grilled flavors.
A Syrah from Crozes-Hermitage, or a fine Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, or even a lovely blend from Pic-Saint-Loup are, for example, excellent choices.
Wine with sausages and merguez
Sausages and merguez generally pair best with fruity red wines that are low in tannins.Their freshness balances the richness and spices while complementing the flavors of grilled meats.
A light Pinot Noir from Sancerre, a Gamay from Beaujolais or a fruity red from Côtes-du-Roussillon are, for example, excellent pairings.
Wine with grilled chicken
Grilled chicken offers great versatility when it comes to pairings. Its tender meat and delicate flavors allow you to choose a rounded white wine such as a Pessac-Léognan, an elegant rosé from Côtes-de-Provence or even a light red like a Rully from Burgundy.
Here, the choice will mainly depend on the marinade and spices used.
Roast chicken: a perfect match for a light red wine
Wine with fish
For grilled fish, always go for fresh, elegant whites. A Sauvignon Blanc from Pouilly-Fumé is, for example, an excellent pairing with white fish, while a lightly oaked Mâcon-Villages is ideal with grilled salmon.
Prawns and seafood skewers are best enjoyed with crisp whites and delicate rosés.
Wine with lamb chops
Lamb chops develop intense flavors on the grill. Robust red wines are therefore excellent choices here.
A spicy Syrah from Saint-Joseph, a fine Châteauneuf-du-Pape or a quality Haut-Médoc will make excellent partners, thanks to their notes of spice and dark fruit that perfectly complement the richness of the meat.
Wine with pork ribs
Grilled pork ribs on the barbecue pair perfectly with generous, spicy red wines from the Rhône or Languedoc regions. Wines from the Cornas AOC, Coteaux de l’Ardèche or Terrasses du Larzac are all excellent choices here.
Notes of black cherry, blackberry, wild herbs, and sweet spices harmoniously complement the smoky, caramelized flavors of the meat.
Wine with grilled vegetables
Grilled vegetables go well with light wines. A Provence rosé or a fruity white will preserve the delicate vegetal flavors while adding a touch of generosity.
Grilled vegetables: a fresh and flavorful pairing with a fruity white wine
Our wine selection for barbecues
At La Cave Éclairée, we have created a selection specially dedicated to that great summer classic: the barbecue.
Whether you're grilling meat, fish, vegetables, or simply enjoying a friendly appetizer with friends, you'll find bottles perfectly suited to every occasion. Feel free to discover it by clicking here: wine and barbecue selection.
In the meantime, here are some estates and cuvées we particularly enjoy, perfect for pairing with your barbecue meal.
Domaine Delobel: Loire Valley wines for fish and lighter grilled dishes
Located in Touraine, Domaine Delobel produces precise and indulgent wines that are perfect for summer meals. Sauvignon Blanc truly shines here, with cuvées that charm with their freshness, citrus notes, and lively character. These wines are the ideal match for grilled fish, shrimp skewers, or vegetables cooked on the plancha.
For lovers of light red wines, the Pineau d'Aunis cuvée from the estate is also an excellent choice. Low in tannins, with notes of crisp red fruits and a signature spicy touch, it pairs perfectly with sausages, grilled poultry, or roasted vegetables on the barbecue.
Château de la Selve: delicious red wines from the Rhône region
Located in the heart of southern Ardèche, Château de la Selve produces generous and expressive wines that are a natural fit for any barbecue gathering. The estate's red wines typically offer lovely notes of ripe fruit, spices, and garrigue, making them a perfect match for pork chops, merguez sausages, marinated skewers, and grilled beef cuts.
The estate's white wines are equally appealing and pair beautifully with grilled fish, white meats, or vegetables cooked on the plancha. Their freshness and generosity provide a particularly pleasant balance for summer meals.
Domaine des Schistes: Roussillon wines for friendly gatherings
The wines from Domaine des Schistes are a perfect example of what Roussillon can bring to your barbecue: fruit-forward, generous, and offering outstanding value for money.
Easy to enjoy yet full of character, they appeal to both seasoned wine lovers and casual drinkers alike.
Bodegas Muga: Spanish flair in a bottle
Among the barbecue classics, wines from the Rioja region are always a top choice.As an example, Bodegas Muga produce refined and complex wines from the Tempranillo grape variety.
Their aromas of dark fruits, sweet spices, vanilla, and cedar pair beautifully with both red and white meats (prime rib, lamb chops, and other generous grilled dishes). Their elegant structure also enhances smoky flavors without overpowering the dish.
Domaine Figuière and Château Sainte-Marguerite: the Provençal sunshine
When you need to please every palate, rosé is always a safe bet. Fresh, fruity, and versatile, it is perfect for both appetizers and full outdoor meals.
The rosés from Domaine Figuière or Château Sainte Marguerite are perfect examples of this elegant and refreshing Provençal style. Their notes of citrus, fresh red fruits, and white flowers pair beautifully with grilled vegetables, fish, prawns, and white meats. This versatility explains their popularity year after year, as soon as the warm weather arrives.
Mistakes to avoid when barbecuing
Pairing wine with barbecue is often easier than you might think. The goal here is not to seek out highly sophisticated combinations, but rather to find wines that can complement the richness of grilled dishes without overpowering the meal.
The first common mistake is to choose a wine that is overly powerful or tannic. While some grilled cuts of beef pair well with structured reds, very young and closed wines can make the pairing too harsh with more delicate meats, such as chicken, pork, or certain slightly sweet marinades. In these cases, a softer, fruitier red wine will generally be a better choice.
Wines with a strong oak influence should also be approached with caution. Pronounced notes of new wood, vanilla, or roasting can sometimes compete with the smoky flavors from grilling. This doesn't mean that all barrel-aged wines should be avoided, but rather that a well-integrated aging process will usually be easier to pair at the table.
Sweet or dessert wines are also not the most obvious choice to pair with a traditional barbecue. Their sweetness can throw off the balance with salty or grilled dishes. However, they can have their place in certain specific cases, especially with spicy or sweet-and-savory recipes.
Finally, fine wines for aging are not always the ones that bring the most enjoyment in this setting. A barbecue is often associated with friendliness and relaxation. While not an absolute rule, approachable, indulgent and immediately expressive wines generally fit the spirit of this type of meal better than the most complex bottles, which often deserve more focus during tasting.
Our tips for perfect wine and barbecue pairings
Choose:
- Fruity and expressive wines, whose fruitiness naturally complements grilled dishes.
- Wines with smooth, well-integrated tannins, versatile at the table,
- Wines with a refreshing character to balance the richness of the meal,
- Friendly, approachable bottles, perfect for relaxed tastings.
Avoid:
- Very tannic reds, which can overpower certain meats or marinades,
- Wines with a strong oak influence, when the wood dominates the fruit.
- Sweet wines, except for a few specific pairings,
- Wines that are too powerful or concentrated, which may weigh down the tasting experience,
- Certain prestigious wines meant for aging, whose complexity may not always be appreciated in a casual setting like a barbecue.
In summary
As you can see, contrary to popular belief, a barbecue isn't just about bold red wines. Depending on the meats, fish, grilled vegetables, marinades, or sauces you serve, a wide range of wine styles can be a perfect match. Smooth, fruity reds, generous whites, or refreshing rosés all have their place when chosen to complement your menu.
More than power, it's often balance that makes a pairing successful. An indulgent, fresh and expressive wine will generally pair better with the smoky, grilled flavors of a barbecue than a wine that's overly tannic or too concentrated.
Whether you prefer red, white, or rosé wine, you’re sure to find the perfect bottle for your next barbecue at La Cave Éclairée ! Explore our selection of wines specially chosen to pair with your barbecue and help you share wonderful moments of togetherness around the table.
