Best BBQ Pork Wine Pairings

A cookout with friends is more than just a meal — it’s an experience. Those sunny days linger in your memory long after summer has passed. And what makes these gatherings even better? The perfect wine pairing, of course.

What is the best wine for BBQ pork? When it comes to barbecue pork, many grill masters agree that full-bodied red wines best complement the rich, bold flavours of barbecued meat. These wines offer unmatched depth and complexity to match the meat’s smoky, savoury character. However, tastes differ!

Even within the rich spectrum of red wine for BBQ pork, there are many different options to try out. We’ve created a detailed guide for you here, so every backyard gathering will take you and your friends on a new journey.

Best Red Wine Pairing with BBQ Pork

Nothing can go wrong when you pair red wine with BBQ pork. So why overthink it? You might want to achieve total perfection with the combination that benefits both the food and the wine.

Zinfandel: A Classic BBQ Pairing for Just any Pork

Zinfandel’s bold fruitiness and subtle spice make it a timeless pairing for BBQ pork ribs. Its ripe berry flavours complement the sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, while peppery notes blend perfectly with the meat’s smoky char. Zinfandel’s juicy acidity cuts through the pork’s richness, creating a harmonious balance that will leave your taste buds craving more.

Our choice: Bogle Old Vine Zinfandel £23.99

Syrah/Shiraz: Smoky and Bold Red Wine with BBQ Ribs

Syrah’s complement to the smoky, peppery flavours of BBQ pork ribs is truly remarkable. The wine’s deep, dark fruit flavours both contrast and complement the meat’s charred edges. Bold tannins of Shiraz stand up to the pork’s richness, while the peppery finish adds an extra layer of complexity to the pairing. The velvety texture pampers the palate, leaving a lingering finish that enhances the overall BBQ experience.

Our choice: d’Arenberg Dead Arm Shiraz £34.99

Malbec: Rich and Juicy Wine to Go with BBQ Ribs

Malbec, with its rich and juicy characteristics, is the perfect wine to balance out the smoky BBQ sauce that comes to mind when someone says ‘pork ribs’! The dark fruit flavours of Malbec complement the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce, creating a harmonious wine pairing. BBQ pork flavours are softened by the wine’s smooth tannins, providing a well-rounded and satisfying gastronomic experience. Overall, Malbec enhances the overall richness and complexity of the BBQ pork ribs, making it a standout choice for this classic pairing.

Our choice: Luigi Bosca Malbec £18.99

Grenache/Garnacha: Fruity, Spicy, And Rather Universal

Since pork is quite fatty, you’ll need a wine that provides good balance. Grenache blends pair naturally with barbecue food—their combination of spice and ripe fruits complements both the rich marinade and smoky notes from the grill. For this occasion, Grenache is probably the best wine. With BBQ pork, its ripe fruit flavours and demure tannins create a harmony that can’t be forgotten.

Our choice – Grenache blended with Syrah for added depth and complexity: Chapoutier Cotes du Rhone £11.99

Pinot Noir: Lighter, Smoother, More Versatile

Pinot Noir offers a lighter, more elegant option for those looking to enjoy your barbecue with a touch of sophistication. Its lighter body and silky texture make it the best wine with BBQ pulled pork. The wine’s dry acidity cuts through the richness of the meat, while its red fruit flavours provide a refreshing contrast to the smokiness of the BBQ. The grounded earthy notes in Pinot Noir also enhance the savoury flavours of the pork, creating a balanced and harmonious pairing.

Our choice: DeLoach Pinot Noir £21.99

Best White Wines with BBQ Pork

As much as we love red wine, we aren’t everyone. Lighter BBQ dishes like pulled pork sandwiches make a perfect match with white wine, as well. Here are some interesting combinations that you might want to try!

Riesling: Sweetness Meets Smoke

Fresh and crispy Riesling pairs beautifully with BBQ pulled pork. The wine’s acidity helps cut through the richness of the pork, creating a refreshing and balanced combination. Additionally, Riesling’s fruity and floral notes add another layer of complexity to the pairing, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer this BBQ ribs and wine pairing. Choose a wine with some sweetness in it which will complement the smoky and tangy flavours of the dish.

Our choice: Walt Riesling £11.99

Chardonnay: Rich and Buttery, Oaked or Unoaked

Chardonnay offers another excellent white wine pairing for BBQ ribs. Its bright and cheerful character can be complex enough to compete with savoury meat. The wine’s buttery notes complement the tender, juicy pork, while its acidity cleanses the palate between bites.

Oaked Chardonnay brings a richer, creamier texture with vanilla and caramel notes that enhance the meat’s smoky flavours. Its subtle oak nuances add complexity.
Unoaked Chardonnay, by contrast, is lighter and crisper, offering pronounced fruit flavours for the ideal balance.

Try both styles to find which best suits your unique style of grilling and your favourite choice of sauce.

Our choice:

Oaked Chardonnay: Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay £26.99

Unoaked Chardonnay: Babich Hawkes Bay Chardonnay £17.99

Sauvignon Blanc: Great Wine Pairing with BBQ Ribs

Sauvignon Blanc’s acidity elevates BBQ pork’s flavours, creating a perfect balance with its smoky, caramelised notes. For tangy, vinegar-based BBQ sauces, the wine’s citrus and herbaceous qualities offer an especially complementary pairing. The wine’s bright, zesty character provides a delightful contrast to the meat’s rich fat, keeping each bite fresh and balanced.

Our choice: Domaine Joel Delaunay Sauvignon Blanc £14.99

Wine Pairings for Specific BBQ Pork Dishes

BBQ pork can be prepared in countless ways. While every barbecuer has his or her secret techniques, we’re excited to share our favourite wine pairings for specific pork dishes. Here are our tried-and-true combinations that will elevate your BBQ experience.

BBQ Pork Ribs Wine Pairing

What wine goes with BBQ pork ribs? Let’s summarise:

A bold red wine like a Zinfandel or Malbec pairs perfectly with smoky, saucy BBQ pork ribs, complementing the rich flavours of the meat.
Try white wine with BBQ ribs! A crisp Chardonnay or a dry Riesling can also provide a refreshing balance to the savoury dish.

How do different BBQ sauces affect wine pairings?

For smoky and saucy BBQ pork ribs, a bold and spicy Zinfandel perfectly complements the rich flavours.
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of fatter meats and thicker sauces.
A sweeter wine like Riesling harmonises with sweet BBQ sauces.
A zesty Chardonnay cuts through tangy sauce recipes.

BBQ Pulled Pork Wine Pairing

Fruit-forward reds and off-dry whites make perfect partners for BBQ pulled pork.

The sweet and tangy flavours truly shine when paired with fruit-forward reds like Pinot Noir or Grenache.
Off-dry whites such as Gewürztraminer or Viognier provide an elegant balance to the pork’s richness.
The sweetness of off-dry Riesling creates a delightful harmony with pulled pork’s smoky character.
For pulled pork sandwiches and platters, opt for a Pinot Noir or Gewürztraminer.

Smoked Pork Shoulder & Slow-Cooked BBQ Pork

What are the best wines for rich, slow-cooked pork dishes?

For smoked pork shoulder and slow-cooked BBQ pork, bold red wines like Zinfandel or Malbec perfectly complement the meat’s richness.
Nero d’Avola, a robust Italian red wine, pairs beautifully with BBQ pork, matching its intensity while maintaining balance.
For a refreshing contrast, try crisp white wines like Riesling or Chenin Blanc with your slow-cooked pork.
Want something different? A chilled rosé offers a delightful summer pairing that’s perfect for casual BBQ gatherings.

To conclude, the best wine for BBQ pork is one that you enjoy and enhances your overall dining experience. Whether you prefer a bold red, a crisp white, or a chilled rosé, the key is to choose a wine that brings out the flavours. Ultimately, the best wine for BBQ pork is one that suits your personal taste and makes the meal even more enjoyable.

So, next time you fire up the grill for some delicious BBQ pork, don’t forget to grab a bottle of your favourite wine to complete the dining experience. Cheers to good food and great wine!