With summer fast approaching, outdoor entertaining is in the spotlight. Whether you’re planning a Memorial Day cookout, a picnic in the park, or a bonfire on the beach, matching the right recipes for on the grill with the perfectly paired beverage will delight your guests.
Grilled Seafood and Vegetables: The Best Chardonnay Wine Pairing
Grilled seafood and vegetables are the perfect meal to enjoy with the best Chardonnay wine. The wine’s crisp acidity and citrus notes complement the rich textures and delicate flavors of these dishes, creating a harmonious dining experience.
Grilled Salmon with Lemon and Herbs
Grilled Salmon with Lemon and Herbs
Bring out the crisp acidity and citrus notes of your best Chardonnay with this grilled salmon recipe.
Ingredients:
1 pound salmon filet, skin on
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley
1 lemon, sliced
Instructions:
Preheat the grill to medium heat.
Brush salmon filet with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Sprinkle with herbs and top with lemon slices.
Grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Pair the dish with your best Chardonnay wine and enjoy.
Seared Scallops with Brown Butter and Lemon
Seared scallops are a fantastic choice for summer grilling. Pair them with the best Chardonnay wine to complement the delicate flavors and rich textures, making your meal truly memorable.
Ingredients:
1 pound sea scallops
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
Pat scallops dry and season with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add scallops to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove scallops from the skillet and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the skillet.
Add lemon juice and parsley and cook for 1 minute, or until the sauce is slightly thickened.
Return scallops to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, or until heated through.
Enjoy with a glass of Chardonnay.
Asparagus Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Asparagus salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with the best Chardonnay wine. The crisp acidity and citrus notes of the wine enhance the fresh, vibrant flavors of the salad.
Ingredients:
1 pound asparagus, trimmed
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Blanch asparagus in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, or until tender.
Drain asparagus and immediately run under cold water to stop the cooking process.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Add asparagus to the bowl and toss to coat.
Pair with Chardonnay.
These are just a few ideas for recipes that pair well with high-acid Chardonnay. With its refreshing acidity and citrus notes, high-acid Chardonnay is a versatile wine that can be enjoyed with a variety of dishes.
Best Pinot Noir Wine Pairings for Food Made on the Grill
Pinot Noir is another versatile wine that can be enjoyed with a variety of grilled dishes. Its elegant character, light body, and fruity flavors make it an ideal match for lighter, delicately flavored foods.
Grilled Asparagus with Lemon and Parmesan
Grilled asparagus with lemon and Parmesan is a fantastic dish to pair with the best Pinot Noir wine. The wine’s elegant character and fruity flavors complement the fresh, delicate taste of the asparagus.
Ingredients:
1 pound asparagus, trimmed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 lemon, sliced
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Preheat the grill to medium heat.
Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Cook on the grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until tender.
Top with lemon slices and Parmesan cheese.
Enjoy with a glass of the best Pinot Noir wine.
Grilled Zucchini and Yellow Squash with Herbs
Grilled zucchini and yellow squash with herbs pair beautifully with the best Pinot Noir wine. The light body and fruity flavors of the wine enhance the fresh, herbaceous notes of the vegetables.
Ingredients:
1 zucchini, sliced
1 yellow squash, sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley
Instructions:
Preheat the grill to medium heat.
Toss zucchini and yellow squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs.
Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until tender.
Serve with Pinot Noir.
Grilled Portobello Mushrooms with Garlic Butter
Grilled portobello mushrooms with garlic butter are another perfect match for the best Pinot Noir wine. The wine’s elegant character and fruity flavors complement the rich, earthy taste of the mushrooms.
Ingredients:
4 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
Preheat the grill to medium heat.
Brush portobello mushrooms with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Cook on the grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until tender.
Brush with melted butter and minced garlic.
Pair with the best Pinot Noir to bring out the mushroom’s earthy flavor.
Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chipotle Lime Butter
Pinot noir’s light body and fruity flavors enhance the smoky, spicy notes of grilled corn on the cob with chipotle lime butter.
Ingredients:
6 ears of corn, husks on
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions:
Preheat the grill to medium heat.
Remove husks from corn and brush with olive oil.
Season with salt and pepper.
Grill for 10-12 minutes, or until corn is cooked through.
In a small bowl, combine butter, chipotle chili powder, and lime juice.
Brush corn with butter mixture.
Pour a glass of your best Pinot Noir and enjoy.
Elevate Your Summer with the Best Chardonnay and Pinot Noir Wines
These summer recipes highlight the versatility of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, making them perfect for nights you cook on the grill. Whether you’re enjoying grilled seafood or vegetables, these wine pairings will enhance your dining experience.
Ready to elevate your summer cookouts? Visit our shop to buy the best Chardonnay wine and best Pinot Noir wine. Delight your guests with perfect pairings and make your outdoor entertaining unforgettable.
