Audio By Carbonatix
The words barbecue and beer seem permanently wedded; a hot day is well matched with a cold one, and it’s easy to pair with burgers, ribs, and grilled what-have-you. However, with back-yard fiestas growing ever more gourmet, we champion summer-appropriate wines that enhance the overall experience of eating smoky, juicy barbecue.
Award-winning sommelier Allegra Angelo spent years curating the lists at Michy’s and Sra. Martinez. She now spends her days building wine programs for restaurants such as Yardbird Southern Table & Bar, which will be the new home of chef Jeff McInnis.
Wines can work very well when paired with barbecue, although Angelo admits, “We rarely think of having wine with a footlong Jersey hot dog, black-and-blue hamburgers, tangy pork ribs, or creamy coleslaw.” She insists wine can be enjoyed without the fancy decanter and crystal stemware. “Why can’t you have a sip of Italian Barbera out of a red plastic cup while passing mustard across a picnic table?”
Agreed. Here are her picks for a few ‘cue-friendly wines. Look for the labels at Sunset Corners, Total Wine, Wolfe’s Wine Shoppe, Wine Watch, or W Wine Boutique.
We’re thankful for you. Are you thankful for us?
We feel thankful for our staff and for the privilege of fulfilling our mission to be an unparalleled source of information and insight in Miami. We’re aiming to raise $30,000 by December 31, so we can continue covering what matters most to this community.
Help us continue giving back to Miami.
Sparkling Rosé
Producer: Fantinel
Market price: under $15
Grapes: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
From: Fruili, Italy
Year: Non-Vintage
Drink with: tomato salads, vinegar-based coleslaws, or grilled snapper.
Angelo’s Note: “This is wine is dry.”
Fritz’s Riesling
Producer: Gunderloch
Market price: under $10
Grapes: Riesling
From: Rheinhessen, Germany
Year: 2009
Drink with: grilled zucchini and eggplant, bbq chicken, hotdogs, saucy pork or beef ribs, corn on the cob, or potato salad (vinegar or mayonnaise based).
Angelo’s Note: “This wine has a touch of sweet!”
Velvet Devil Merlot
Producer: Charles Smith Wines
Market price: under $15
Grapes: Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon
From: Yakima & Wahluke Valleys, Washington State
Year: 2009
Drink with: grilled mushrooms and eggplant, hamburgers, bbq beef or pork ribs, and any kind of sausages.
Angelo’s Note: “Supple and juicy, big fruit for a Merlot.”
Tre Vigne, Barbera d’Asti
Producer: Vietti
Market price: under $20
Grapes: Barbera
From: Piedmont, Italy
Year: 2009
Drink with: grilled salmon, hot dogs, or tomato salads.
Angelo’s Note: “This has unusual richness and texture for a Barbera!”
Follow Short Order on Facebook and Twitter @Short_Order.
