The Best Wines for BBQ

While saucy, fall-off-the-bone ribs may come to mind first, barbecue encompasses a wide range of dishes, all defined by the method of cooking meat over an open flame or smoke. As a result, the ideal BBQ wine pairing can vary significantly depending on the type of meat, the sauce, and the overall flavor profile of the dish, from a rich, smoky brisket to light, charred shrimp and scallops.

In terms of pairing wine with barbeque, you can follow the general rule of thumb that bold, tannic red wines complement rich, smoky meats like steak, brisket, and ribs, while white wines and rosés pair wonderfully with lighter BBQ dishes, like grilled chicken, seafood, and vegetables. 

Do Georgian Wines Pair Well with BBQ?

Like its history of winemaking, which dates back more than 8,000 years, cooking over an open flame has long been central to Georgia’s culinary tradition, with the two often intertwined. The country features more than 500 indigenous grape varieties and numerous stunning wine regions, offering a variety of options for wine drinkers.

Georgia’s winemaking techniques are just as varied, spanning from modern methods like oak barrel aging and stainless steel fermentation to the ancient and unique practice of using qvevri — large clay vessels buried underground for fermentation and aging. This diversity results in a wide range of wine styles, from dry to sweet, each well-suited to complement the equally broad variety of barbecue flavors and preparations. 

The Best Georgian Wine Pairings for BBQ Dishes

Georgian Dry Red Wine

When choosing a wine for classic BBQ dishes, dry, tannic, and bold reds will often be the answer, complementing the richness of the meat and the smoky flavors. Consider pairing these wines with:

• Texas-style barbecue: This beef-centric style of barbecue is famous for slow-smoked meat sans sauce.
• BBQ pulled pork: Slow-cooked pulled pork goes well with red wine’s dark fruit flavors, pulling out the richness of the pork for a balanced pairing.
• Grilled steak: Dry red wines match the richness of grilled steak perfectly. 
• BBQ ribs: In terms of the best wine for pork ribs, a dry, tannic red wine helps balance the richness of the meat while complementing the smoky flavors.
  Burgers: Probably the most classic barbecue fare, a burger’s rich flavor profile is complemented by the tannins and acidity of a dry red wine.
• Kansas City-style barbecue sauce: When you think of traditional barbecue sauce, Kansas City-style is likely what comes to mind — it’s thick, sweet, and tangy, making it the perfect match for a dry, tannic red.

Georgian dry red wines Silk Road Wines recommends:

Saperavi: When it comes to Georgian wine, Saperavi, an iconic bold red, reigns supreme. Saperavi wines are celebrated for their depth and richness, with intense dark fruit flavors such as blackberries, cherries, plums, and hints of spice. 

• Try it: Silk Road offers a 2020 Saperavi ($14.99) as well as an oak-barrel aged 2016 Saperavi Reserve ($45).

Mukunzi: This full-bodied wine is aged for eight months in French oak barrels, developing complex notes of dark plum, blackberry, and spices, with a lingering finish. Made from 100% Saperavi grapes grown in the Mukuzani appellation-controlled microzone, it offers a more refined and mellow profile compared to a typical Saperavi.

• Try it: 2020 Mukunzi ($18.99)

Georgian Semi-sweet Red Wine

Oftentimes barbecue dishes feature a hint of sweetness, usually found in the sauce or glaze. These meals are best paired with a semi-sweet red that complements the caramelized flavors of the sauce and balances the smokiness of the meat. These wines are ideal for serving with:

• BBQ meats with a sweet glaze: Think of sauces made with ingredients like brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, and fruit. 
• Grilled sausages: The fruitiness of a semi-sweet wine contrasts well with smoky, savory sausages.
  

Georgian semi-sweet red wines Silk Road Wines recommends:

Kindzmarauli: This semi-sweet red wine is actually made from Saperavi grapes specifically grown in the Kindzmarauli micro-viticulture area, where warmer temperatures lead to the grapes ripening faster and therefore containing more residual sugar. Kindzmarauli wine is known for notes of cherries, blackberries, currants, and hints of vanilla. 

• Try it: 2021 Kindzmarauli ($17.99)

Khvanchkara: Another one of Georgia’s premier semi-sweet red wines, Khvanchkara is a blend of Alexandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes known for its vibrant fruit flavors and balanced sweetness.

• Try it: 2020 Khvanchkara ($22.99)

Alanzi: This versatile semi-sweet Georgian wine features a nice balance of fruit and spice, with notes of white pepper and cherries.

• Try it: 2020 Alanzi ($13.99)

Georgian Dry White Wines 

When barbecuing lighter fare such as poultry, seafood, and vegetables, the best pairing is usually a white wine, as its crisp acidity enhances the delicate flavors of the food. White wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Kisi can also balance smoky flavors, making them the best wine for BBQ chicken and lighter dishes. Other ideal pairings include:

• Grilled seafood: Pairing delicate dishes like flaky halibut or glazed salmon with a dry white wine enhances their light flavors.
• Vegetables: BBQ doesn’t always have to be meat-centric, with vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and portobello mushrooms holding up well on the grill, the smokiness drawing out their natural flavors. 

Georgian Dry white wines Silk Road Wines recommends:

Kisi: Georgian white wines are celebrated for their crispness and bright acidity, with Kisi being among the most popular. This wine features notes of pineapple, grapefruit, and melon with a lingering finish. 

• Try it: 2020 Kisi ($18.99)

Khikhvi: This dry white wine has aromas of ripe pears and exotic fruit, with a floral undertone and gentle acidity. 

• Try it: 2017 Khikhvi ($18.99)

Manavi: This lively mineral-driven white wine features notes of citrus, green apple, and a hint of peach.

• Try it: 2017 Manavi ($14.99)

Georgian Amber Wines 

Amber wine, sometimes called orange wine, is the result of fermenting white grapes with their skins on, imparting that deep hue. Georgian amber wine is typically produced using the traditional qvevri method. It’s known for being earthy and complex, making it a versatile companion to a wide range of BBQ dishes, light enough to complement vegetables, but bold enough to balance well with heartier meats.

Georgian amber wines Silk Road Wines recommends:

Khikvi Qvevri: This natural skin-contact wine features notes of lemongrass, honey, herbal tea, citrus, and apple, with a dry, smooth finish.

• Try it: 2017 Khikvi Qvevri ($25.99)

Rkatsiteli Qvevri: This unique amber wine was aged for six months in a qvevri and features notes of honey, apple, and apricot, with an overall fruitier and spicier finish than the Khikvi Qvevri.

• Try it: 2017 Rkatsiteli Qvevri ($25.99)

Elevate your Barbecue with Georgian Wine

When choosing the best wine for BBQ, as with most pairings, it ultimately comes down to personal preference — some might enjoy their steak with a crisp white, and that works too. Silk Road, a veteran-owned importer of Georgian wine, offers a wide selection of unique yet approachable varieties that pair well with different barbecue dishes — or are equally enjoyable on their own. Explore the exciting world of Georgian wine today.