07/07/08 Email Question

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran. On today's program, we are answering a question from the email. Recently a listener wrote to ask, "What wines do recommend with grilled foods?" Yes, it is finally summer. So the topic of wines to accompany grilled foods is no shock here - to me your wine choice has more to do with whether or not you like to drink red wine on a hot summer day. Many people do not, they prefer something cold and more refreshing. If you are one of the people who like red wine, no matter what the temperature, then the flavors imparted by the grill are a great compliment to Zinfandel, Syrah and many Spanish Riojas. Those smoked, lightly charred flavors work with those wines as long as the acid is there. If you are adding sauces that are sweet or spicy then you need to adjust the wine accordingly. More fruit forward wine will be the ticket in that instance, perhaps Grenache. If you are not up for red wine on a hot day then look for wines that do not have more than a light touch of oak. Sauvignon Blanc, Albarino and Viognier are two of my favorites. I also think grilled foods are perfect for a chilled dry rose or a dry sparkling wine. No matter if your preference is red or white just relax and enjoy yourself. Remember to send your wine questions to Linda at Vine to Wine dot net and thank you for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.