Grillin’ with Wine

RecentlyI was at a friend’s house for a family barbecue. The kids were playing in the backyard (where my middle son almost crashed into a brick wall with a four-wheeler; different story for a different time,) the host was grilling up burgers and brats, and I was having a cold beer. As guests were arriving to this fun gathering, I started noticing a pattern: people walking in were exchanging greetings with everyone, but when they arrived to where I was sitting, they all said the same thing to me, “You’re drinking beer?!”

My response to everyone was the same, “C’mon, am I that much of a wine snob?!”

I had already poured a glass of pinot noir for my wife and a cabernet for a friend, but there was just something enticing about an ice-cold beer on a warm day to pair with a juicy burger. Truth be told, I did sneak a couple of sips out of my wife’s glass when she wasn’t looking just to cleanse my palate from the beer! Maybe my friends were right about me…just in case you’re like me, and would rather have wine with your grilled cuisine, here are some wine suggestions for all the barbecues this summer will bring.

BY RICCARDO TARABELSI

Zinfandel will be able to handle a wide variety of red meats. This bold red wine bellies up to meaty, smoky flavors – allowing the varietal’s black pepper spice, acidity, and ripe tannins to carry the meat’s fats and texture to a new dimension. A Zin will also work well with barbeque sauce, steak sauce, and mild salsas – if there is too much spice in the sauce the two will compete, and both the wine and the sauce end up as losers.

Merlot is the spicy sauce answer to the above dilemma. With the characteristic fruit-forward flavor profile, this varietal will support the spice and not aggravate it. Grilled pork chops, chicken, and gardenvariety salads with lighter dressings also mingle well with Merlot.

Shiraz/Syrah is another varietal that makes the grill-friendly wine list. This varietal is delicious with just about any red meat. Offering dynamic, somewhat aggressive fruit flavors, balanced with more mellow tannins and a softer-fuller body – this wine’s place to shine is definitely at a barbecue gathering. Rhône Syrahs tend to have a smokier flavor characteristic and lend themselves extremely well to smoked brisket.

Cabernet Sauvignon is made for steaks with a higher fat content, and burgers of beef or turkey will pair equally well. The tighter tannins are significantly mellowed by the meat’s fat, producing a palate pleaser to remember. Top your burgers with bold cheeses, like blue or sharp cheddar, and this varietal gets even better.

Pinot Noir a flexible varietal that is known for being extremely food-friendly. Pair it with everything from grilled fish to a juicy burger. Pinot Noir is an ideal candidate for grilled fish – especially salmon. If you aren’t sure what wine will work with your grilled dinner, Pinot Noir will likely be your best bet.

Chardonnay will work wonderfully with grilled fish (including shellfish), chicken with creamy sauces, and grilled corn on the cob with lots of butter.

Riesling is the perfect varietal for grilled brats, shrimp, barbecue chicken, grilled pineapple, and a variety of grilled veggies.

Sauvignon Blanc has an herbaceous quality that supports marinades and sauces with similar attributes. For example, grilled chicken that has been doused in Italian dressing or a citrus marinade will be unbeatable with a Sauvignon Blanc. Likewise, roasted peppers, veggies in fresh herbs, and grilled fish with dill and lemon will all be highlighted in tandem with a Sauvignon Blanc.

Gewürztraminer often offers a balance to spice with its slightly to moderately sweet character. This varietal would be a great choice to go with blackened Mahi Mahi or grilled Cajun chicken with fresh mango salsa. In general, red wines go well with grilled red meats - like your basic burgers, steaks, and ribs. These meats can be somewhat salty, a bit smoky, and tend to be a touch sweeter depending on marinades, sauces, condiments, cooking times, etc. The lighter meats and sauces are more apt to flow better with white wines that share similar flavors as the foods they are meant to accent. If you are having a backyard barbecue, offer a few whites and a few reds and let your guests mix and match to see which flavor suits their preferences. There are no hard and fast rules.

I don’t remember where I heard this, but it’s so true… There are only two kinds of wine: those you like and those you don’t. Trust your palate!

Carpe vino!

Riccardo loves to grill out with his wife Marybeth (celebrating 26 years this month) and enjoys dining al fresco with their three sons Dante, Berent (fiancée Molli,) and Jaxon. When they’re not in the backyard with their family, Riccardo and Marybeth are in Downtown Sioux Falls at their restaurants, R Wine Bar & Kitchen. Brix Wine Bar, Maribella Ristorante, and Vespa Catering. Contact Riccardo at riccardo@rwinebar.com.

I Do!

One of the many beautiful designs by Valina, for engagement rings to be found at Faini Designs Jewelry Studio! 69th Street & Western Avenue. (605) 339-6956.

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Keep art fun for your tiny artist with the HearthSong Inflatable Art Easel. The heavy-duty vinyl construction offers lasting use, while the easy to clean design washes away with a hose and water. The 4 included paints allow little artists to create vibrant works of art, while the 4 shaped sponges and paintbrush create fun patterns and designs. Available at Kidtopia. East side Dawley Farms. 901 S. Highline Pl. (605) 275-4825.

Simply Enjoy

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True to its name with a built-in water-based primer and built-in topcoat along with the beautiful pigments to help create your masterpiece. So easy. Perfect results. Junk in the Trunk. 1918 W. 41st St. (605) 338-5510.

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Join us Friday through Sunday from 11am - 9pm and Monday - Friday 4pm - 9pm for our famous delicious pizza! Charlie’s Pizza. 69th Street & Western Avenue. (605) 275-2212.

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Summer is heating up and it’s time for picnics with fireworks, fireflies, and sparklers! We can make your summer picnic extra sweet with our famous mountain-sized cookies! We bake fresh daily and have many sweet treats to choose from including our celebration cookies, gluten-free cookies, ice cream sandwiches, and cookie dough! Call us to place an order of our treats to complete your summer picnic at (605) 275-0060! Mary’s Mountain Cookies. 701 N. Phillips Avenue.

Visit Us this Summer!

Join us at Wilde Prairie Winery this summer for fun in the country. Wine, live music, food trucks, tastings, yoga and so much more! 48052 259th St., Brandon, SD. Check our website for a complete list of events: wildeprairiewinery.com

Best Bridal Experience

Ellie Stone Bride is located at 69th & Western and will bring you the best bridal experience in the Sioux Falls area. When you purchase here, you are not just a customer — you become part of the family. Ellie Stone Bride. 69th & Western. (605) 332-8841.

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A frequently used area in the home, the Drop Zone! Have you always dreamed of an organized & beautiful entry into your home? Let our design team help you get the most function out of your drop zone space. Dakota Kitchen and Bath, Inc., 4101 N. Hainje Avenue, Sioux Falls SD. (605) 334-9727.

Red, White & Blue!

Celebrate the 4th with a huge selection of patriotic libations from Blue Mound Liquor! Blue Mound Liquor, 319 W. Main St., Luverne, MN. (507) 449-5052.

Blue Mound State Park Bison Tours!

Take the 1.5 hour Prairie & Bison Tour. Experience the sights and smells of the prairie and learn what makes the bison herd so special. Bison are wild and unpredictable — they may not be visible during the tour, or may be as close as 75 feet. $10 adult $6 kids. Reservations Required online or by calling (866) 857-2757. Blue Mound state park, Luverne, MN. Visit mndnr.gov/bluemounds for specific days and tour times. Walk in space is limited.

Time to Travel!

Summer is here and if your family is like ours, it’s time to travel! Vacations are always better when behind the wheel of a new, family vehicle. Visit Papik Motors at any of our 3 locations in Luverne, Rock Rapids, or Sibley. Or, online at papik. com. We’re here to help find a vehicle that’s right for you and your family.

Class of 2024!

It’s YOUR turn! It’s time to schedule your Ultimate Senior Portrait Session. We only photograph 50 fabulous seniors each year and we want you to be one of them. Each Senior Portrait Session includes a free family portrait session fee and a free cap and gown session. We believe every senior is unique and we look forward to showing the world just how incredible you are. (605) 359-6640 or jp@julieprairie.com

More Finish Choices!

Looking for a finish that looks like fine antique furniture? Cottage Distressing on either a stain or a tinted varnish finish shows rounded corners, worn edges and light chain distressing. Visit our showroom today and ask one of our friendly designers about this popular finish option from StarMark Cabinetry. Today’s StarMark Custom Cabinetry 600 E. 48th Street N. (605) 977-3660.

Beat the Heat!

Visit www.palacetheatre.us or follow us on Facebook for a complete listing of summer movies. Sit back and relax and take in a flick or two at the Historic Palace Theatre in Luverne, MN!

Visit the Brandenburg Gallery!

Over 100 images of internationallyacclaimed photographer Jim Brandenburg. Framed and unframed photos, greeting and postcards. 213 E. Luverne St. at the Rock County Courthouse Square. Luverne, MN.

Heirloom-Worthy Cookware

Smithey Ironware. Beautiful heirloom-worthy cookware pieces designed to provide a lifetime of meals and memories. Cooks & Bakers Kitchen. Dawley Farm Village. (605) 705-6770