Big, Bold Reds for BBQ Season: Best Wines for Grilled Meats

Nothing says summer quite like the smoky sizzle of a grill, the smell of ribs and burgers in the air, and a bold glass of red wine in hand. While beer might be the backyard classic, there’s a better match for your BBQ feast: big, bold reds. These wines aren’t shy—they bring the fruit, the spice, the structure, and just enough attitude to complement every grilled, smoked, and fire-kissed bite.

At Occasional Wine, we know that not all reds are created equal when it comes to BBQ season. Whether you’re hosting a weekend cookout or firing up the smoker on a Wednesday, here’s your guide to pairing the right wines with all your barbecue favorites.

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Why Bold Reds Are Perfect for the Grill

Barbecue is all about bold flavors—smoke, char, spice rubs, sticky-sweet sauces. That’s why light wines get lost in the shuffle, while big reds shine.

Look for wines with:

• Dark, ripe fruit like blackberry, plum, or black cherry
  
  
• Spicy or smoky notes (think black pepper, licorice, baking spices)
  
  
• Medium to high tannins to cut through the richness of meat
  
  
• Enough acidity to balance bold flavors
  
  
• 14–16% ABV to match the weight of the food
  
  

The Best BBQ Red Wines (and Why)

• Zinfandel: The all-American BBQ wine—juicy, jammy, with black fruit, baking spice, and smoky character. Perfect for ribs, pulled pork, and anything slathered in BBQ sauce.
  
  
• Syrah/Shiraz: Dark, bold, peppery, and meaty—ideal with smoked brisket, lamb chops, and charred sausages.
  
  
• Malbec: Plush, fruit-forward, with dark plum, cocoa, and a hint of spice. Great for burgers, steaks, and even grilled portobellos.
  
  
• Cabernet Sauvignon: Structured, tannic, with bold black fruit and oak. Best for ribeye, prime rib, or smoked beef short ribs.
  
  
• Grenache: Red fruit, white pepper, and herbs make this a lighter, juicy option for sausages, grilled chicken, and veggie skewers.
  
  

BBQ Wine Pairing Guide

Smoked Brisket
Top Wine Pairing: Syrah or Zinfandel
Why It Works: Spice and smoke match the meat’s richness

Baby Back Ribs
Top Wine Pairing: Zinfandel or Grenache
Why It Works: Sweet BBQ sauce loves juicy, spicy reds

Grilled Burgers
Top Wine Pairing: Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon
Why It Works: Bold tannins and ripe fruit cut through fat

Pulled Pork
Top Wine Pairing: Zinfandel
Why It Works: Juicy, sweet fruit complements tangy sauce

BBQ Chicken (spicy rub)
Top Wine Pairing: Syrah or Zinfandel
Why It Works: Handles heat and adds smoky depth

Grilled Sausages
Top Wine Pairing: Grenache
Why It Works: Red fruit and pepper match sausage spices

Veggie Skewers / Portobellos
Top Wine Pairing: Grenache or Zinfandel
Why It Works: Fruit and spice lift smoky veggies

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Occasional Wine’s Top BBQ Reds

Looking for the perfect bottles to stock up for BBQ season? Here’s what we’re drinking:

[Placeholder for wine picks – 6 bottles]

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Final Tip: Serve It Right

Chill your reds slightly before serving—about 15–20 minutes in the fridge—to make those bold flavors pop and keep things refreshing under the summer sun.

Ready to fire up the grill? Shop our curated selection of bold reds or join one of our wine club memberships for exclusive savings and two wonderful allocations showcasing the world's best wines.

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