The summer months are here, and that means it's time for friends and family gatherings with BBQ! We asked our Executive Chef, Carl Ashurst, and our Director of Food & Beverage, Brian Hein, about the best wine and BBQ pairings for the summer. Check out their delicious suggestions for your next get-together!
Spare Ribs + Syrah
Spare ribs are a great addition to any casual summer BBQ. Chef Carl slow cooks his ribs by basting them when they are almost ready, and mopping them with Sweet Baby Rays BBQ sauce. With sweet and savory spare ribs, try a glass of 2014 Justin Focus Syrah out of Paso Robles. This wine stands up to the BBQ sauce with its aromas of black currant, caramel, and touch of roasted oak. Syrah is heavy on the palate with sticky tannins and flavors of vanilla, black plum skin, and blackberry sauce that melds with the ribs to satisfy any appetite on a summer day!
Saucy BBQ ribs to pair with Syrah
Brisket + Syrah
Serving brisket? Chef Carl recommends slow cooking for 10 to 12 hours. Serve with a glass of Hibou Syrah from Kobler Vineyard in the Russian River Valley. It's a rich, cerebral Syrah brimming with boysenberry, blueberry, hints of tea leaf and cracked black pepper. The perfect combination to elevate your summer BBQ!
Chicken + Sauvignon Blanc
Marinated and seasoned chicken never tasted better off the grill than with Jenny Wagner Emmolo Sauvignon Blanc. The pale gold, medium-bodied Sauvignon Blanc has a smooth sweetness and a crisp minerality. Enjoy the flavors of lemon and honeysuckle to please your palate on a hot afternoon!
Seafood + Rose
Shrimp and Scallops in garlic butter create the perfect platform to pair with our local Santa Lucia Highlands Caraccioli 2016 Brute Rose. With seafood right of the barbie, enjoy the vibrant aromas of orange marmalade, baked biscuits and wild strawberries. Brian says this elegant vintage finishes soft and creamy with subtle note of white peach, apricot and green apple that delights with seafood.
Burgers & Hot Dogs + Merlot
Burgers and hot dogs are a classic for any summer BBQ. Chef Carl uses Ball Park beef hot dogs, and 80/20 ground beef for a juicy burger. Brian suggests serving a glass of 2017 Rutherford Frog Leap Merlot. It has a beautiful deep plum and red fruit aroma with a silky structure and balanced flavors.
A unique pairing for hamburgers and hot dogs
Fish + Blanc
Whole Seabass will jump off the grill to join a glass of Esprit De Tablas Blanc. This blend is magnificent in the summer with white tangerine, melon and pear scents. It shows incredible depth with vibrant citrus and orchard fruit flavors featuring a strong, mineral dominated finish, which results in a perfect complement for Seabass.
Get Grilling this Summer
You'll be sure to impress your guests this summer with these delicious duos. If you're not much a cook, stop on by Jacks Monterey this summer to try out our menu, and some of these wines. Our staff at Jacks can help you decide on the perfect bottle of wine to pair with your meal. Check out our menu to explore Jacks Monterey's flavors and wine list.