Pulled pork is a beloved barbecue staple, but have you ever wondered what wine would pair well with this deliciously fatty meat?
While beer may be the go-to beverage for many, wine can actually be a better pairing due to its acidity. But with so many wine options out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.
Fear not, we’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of some of the best wine pairings for pulled pork. From light reds to dry rosés, there’s a wine for every palate and every type of pulled pork dish.
So sit back, pour yourself a glass, and get ready to elevate your pulled pork experience to the next level.
What Is A Good Wine Pairing With Pulled Pork?
When it comes to pairing wine with pulled pork, it’s important to consider the flavors and sauces used in the dish. Pulled pork is a lighter meat, so lighter fruit flavors in wine tend to work well. Pinot Noir is a classic pairing for pulled pork, as its refreshing acidity helps to cleanse the palate and complements the vinegar elements in pork barbecue sauces. Full-flavored rosés, like the Grand Reserve Rosé, are also great pairings for pork barbecue with vinegar sauces.
If you prefer a white wine, look for one with enough acidity and fruit to cut through the pork flavors. A dry Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc could be a good option.
For those who prefer red wine, opt for a medium- to full-bodied wine with plenty of backbone to balance out the smoky and spicy flavors of the dish. Zinfandel, Shiraz, Grenache, and Cabernet-blend are all great options.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try using your wine as a “sauce” for the meat. A glass of Ruby Port on ice alongside your slow-smoked pork can serve as a sweet sauce and provide an exceptional explosion of flavor.
Why Wine Is A Great Pairing For Pulled Pork
Wine is a great pairing for pulled pork because it helps to balance out the flavors and textures of the dish. Pulled pork is often seasoned with sweet, spicy, smoky, and tangy flavors, which can be enhanced by the right wine pairing. Wine also helps to cut through the fat in pork, making it a better pairing than beer.
Acidity is an important factor to consider when pairing wine with pulled pork. Wines with high acidity, like Pinot Noir and dry Riesling, can help to cleanse the palate and complement the vinegar elements in pork barbecue sauces. They also work well with lighter fruit flavors in pulled pork.
Full-flavored rosés are also great pairings for pork barbecue with vinegar sauces. These wines have enough acidity and fruit to cut through the pork flavors while still complementing the sweet and tangy elements in the dish.
For those who prefer red wine, medium- to full-bodied wines like Zinfandel, Shiraz, Grenache, and Cabernet-blend are all great options. These wines have enough backbone to balance out the smoky and spicy flavors of the dish.
Finally, using wine as a “sauce” for the meat can add an extra layer of flavor to your pulled pork. A glass of Ruby Port on ice alongside your slow-smoked pork can serve as a sweet sauce and provide an exceptional explosion of flavor.
Light Reds: The Perfect Match For Pulled Pork Sandwiches
If you’re looking for a lighter red wine to pair with your pulled pork sandwich, there are several options that can enhance the flavors of the dish. Lighter reds tend to have less tannin and a brighter acidity, making them a great match for the lighter meat of pulled pork.
Pinot Noir is a classic choice for pulled pork, as its light fruit flavors and refreshing acidity can complement the tangy vinegar elements in pork barbecue sauces. It’s also a great option for those who prefer a lighter red wine.
Another great option for pulled pork sandwiches is a Grenache or Grenache blend. These wines have a bright acidity and fruit-forward flavors that can pair well with the smoky and spicy flavors of the dish. They also tend to have a lighter body, making them a great match for pulled pork.
If you prefer a slightly bolder option, try a Syrah or Shiraz. These wines have more body and tannin than Pinot Noir or Grenache, but still have enough acidity to balance out the flavors of the dish. They also often have notes of black pepper and spice that can complement the smoky flavors of the pulled pork.
Bold Reds: Pairing Pulled Pork With A Full-Bodied Wine
For those who want to go all out with a bold and full-bodied wine pairing for pulled pork, there are some great options to consider. The richness of the meat can stand up to a full-bodied wine, and the smokiness of the dish can be complemented by the right wine.
One great option is Pinotage, a signature red wine from South Africa that is a cross between Cinsault and Pinot Noir. This wine pairs beautifully with grilled pork chops, as its smoky elements complement the char of the meat. The high alcohol concentration of Pinotage also balances out the fat in the pork, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
Another option for bold red wine lovers is Tempranillo, a full-bodied wine that pairs well with peppery and tobacco flavors in dishes like burgers or steak on the grill. Cabernet-blend, Sangiovese, and GSM blends (Grenache-Syrah-Mourvèdre) are also great options for those who want a full-bodied red wine to pair with their pulled pork.
When pairing pulled pork with a full-bodied red wine, it’s important to consider the flavors and spices used in the dish. Look for wines with tannins that can stand up to the richness of the meat, while also having enough fruit to balance out any smoky or spicy flavors. With the right pairing, pulled pork and a bold red wine can create a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
Rosé All Day: Dry Rosé Wine For A Lighter Pulled Pork Meal
When it comes to pairing pulled pork with wine, dry rosé wine can be a great option for those looking for a lighter and refreshing pairing. The delicately colored and soft fruit flavored wine made through the direct press method can be an excellent choice to complement the flavors of pulled pork. Rosé wines made from Pinot Noir, Grenache, Cabernet Franc, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault can all be perfect for pairing with pulled pork.
For a lighter pulled pork meal, Provence France’s blush pink, dry and light-bodied Rosés with flavors of grapefruit, strawberry, and watermelon can be an excellent option. Look for those from the Cotes de Provence appellation and pair it with your appetizer, fruit salad or grilled fish.
If you are looking for a darker colored, full-body Rosé to pair with your barbecued pulled pork, then you should consider wines from Tavel in the Southern Rhone region of France. Most of the wine produced in Tavel is Rosé, and it will be deeply colored, intensely flavored of red fruits, and dry with soft tannins on the finish. It can be a perfect complement to a spicy or full-flavored BBQ sauce.
When serving your Rosé with pulled pork, serve it chilled between 40-50°. The refreshing acidity of the wine can help to cleanse the palate and balance out the smoky and spicy flavors of the dish. With these tips in mind, you can enjoy a delicious pulled pork meal paired perfectly with a dry rosé wine.
White Wine: A Surprising Pairing For Pulled Pork Tacos
While red wine may be the more traditional pairing for pulled pork, white wine can also be a surprising and delicious option. When it comes to pulled pork tacos, a crisp and acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Albariño can be a great choice. The citrus and spice elements in the dish are complemented by the refreshing acidity of these wines, making for a well-balanced pairing.
Chardonnay is another white wine that can work well with pulled pork tacos, depending on how the pork is prepared. Grilled pork chops pair nicely with oaky Chardonnays, while Chablis (a region in France that makes white wines from Chardonnay) is better suited for a pork loin.
If you want to try something truly unique, consider using white wine as a marinade for your pulled pork. A dry Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc can add depth of flavor to the meat and create a unique and delicious dish. Just be sure to use a wine that you would also enjoy drinking alongside your meal.
Sparkling Wine: Elevating Your Pulled Pork Brunch Game
While pulled pork is often associated with BBQ dinners and game day snacks, it can also make for a delicious brunch dish. And what better way to elevate your brunch game than with a glass of sparkling wine?
Sparkling wine can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your pulled pork brunch, and its effervescence can help to cut through the richness of the dish. A brut or extra brut Champagne or Prosecco would be a great choice, as they tend to have high acidity and crisp fruit flavors that pair well with pulled pork.
If you prefer something a little sweeter, try a demi-sec Champagne or a Moscato d’Asti. These wines have a touch of sweetness that can complement the sweetness of the pork and barbecue sauce.
When it comes to serving temperature, make sure to chill your sparkling wine in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. And don’t forget to use the appropriate glassware – a flute or tulip-shaped glass will help to showcase the wine’s bubbles and aromas.
As for pairing ideas, pulled pork Benedict is a classic brunch dish that would pair well with sparkling wine. The rich egg yolk and hollandaise sauce can be balanced out by the acidity in the wine. Another option is pulled pork hash with sweet potatoes and peppers, which can be complemented by the fruitiness in the wine.
