August 31, 2022
While old school American grilling relied on full-bodied California Cabernet or heavily-fruited Syrah to carry the weight of its flavor, new school thinking casts a lighter array of supporting characters that complement, not contend, with grilled fare.
Experimentation with more unexpected grilling items like, say, swapping sirloin for salmon or ribs for calamari, has changed the way we pair wine with barbecue. While a fruit-forward, full-bodied red is still perhaps the grilling pairing of choice, the more nuanced flavor profiles in lighter-style wines are also a great reason to imbibe.
Is it the slight char emanating from a fresh ‘cue that keeps us coming back for more? Or maybe it’s the uniquely smoked caramelization forming on the top of the grill? Perhaps it’s the faint scent of toasted cedar chips or glowing charcoal wafting through the air?
Whatever the reason for your pairing choice, this list of subtly-flavored American red wines can hold their own against the toughest barbecued meats or heartiest grilled veggies.
Dancing Crow 2020 Old Stake 1901 Field Blend Red
Wine Enthusiast Rating: 90 Points
Dried herb and mineral aromas lead to concentrated and tangy red and black cherry flavors and savory, spicy accents. This full-bodied blend, made from 65% Zinfandel plus Cinsault, Alicante Bouschet and several other grape varieties, is moderately tannic and well-balanced.—J.G.
Click here to read the original article
Click here to learn more about Dancing Crow
