God Bless American Food & Wine!
Timeless pairings for your end-of-summer BBQ
Labor Day Weekend conjures up memories of cool summer nights, back-to-school prep, and the season's end of mosquito bites. This year, why not enjoy three fool proof food & wine pairings under $30 enjoy this holiday weekend -- or save them for next summer. Cheers!
Grilled, Teriyaki or BBQ Chicken
- Daily Sip Pick: Clos du Val 2008 Carneros Chardonnay (26; find it here). This full-bodied, lush, creamy Chardonnay will pair perfectly with a juicy, succulent grilled chicken breast. A glass or two of wine and a plate or two of food, let alone a crisp, early fall night -- talk about a great way to send-off summer.
Good, Old Fashioned Hamburger
Since the best burgers are juicy and tasty, whether adorned in lettuce, tomato, onion and cheese or something more unique, they make the perfect pairing for an all-American Claret (Bordeaux Blend).
- Daily Sip Pick: Chappellet Mountain Cuvee 2008 (24.99; find it here) blackberry and black cherry dominate this delicious Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend. Almost equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, a hint of smokiness in it makes it a perfect pairing for grilled items.
Grilled Steak
If you're going to splurge on your Labor Day BBQ by serving friends and family grilled steak, you might as well go all-out with some delicious wine too. And there's nothing more American than our great nation's iconic Zinfandel.
- Daily Sip Pick: Chateau Montelena 2008 Estate Zinfandel (27.99; find it here). The opposite of the super raisin-y, high alcoholic, typical Zinfandels, Montelena's is balanced, thus totally food-friendly. Ripe blackberry flavors and balanced by a wide array of spices (nutmeg, pepper), culminating in a powerful yet restrained finish. Zinfandel's lush and often natural spice character make it a perfect pairing for grass-fed steak -- however prepared.
Have a favorite Labor Day BBQ recommendation or wine pairing? Share it here!