Best wines to pair with Filipino barbecue

Filipino barbecue, also known as inihaw or sinugba, is a staple at parties and gatherings. The meat, grilled over charcoal, usually comes with a spiced vinegar dipping sauce and best eaten with achara, or pickled green papaya, over rice.

But did you know that pairing barbecue with wine can take this beloved Filipino grilled dish to the next level? 

Filipino Canadian celebrity chef Jordan Andino spills the secrets to enhancing the sweet and bold flavors of Pinoy-style barbecues with the ultimate wine pairings. 

Famed for his fresh take on Filipino cuisine, Andino shares his expert insights with The Takeout. 

“Filipino BBQ is known across the world for having rich flavors and unique marinades,” says Andino.

The secret to an ultimate wine pairing? Choose a bottle that highlights the smoky, rich and tangy flavors of Filipino barbecue. 

The distinct flavors of Filipino BBQ are bold and brilliant, but that can be intimidating when it comes to pairing wine. These are the best wines for the job.https://t.co/5bhWo14uaM

— The Takeout (@thetakeout) December 14, 2024

For wine connoisseurs and occasional sippers, we’ve rounded up the best wines that complement the savory flavors of Filipino barbecue — based on recommendations by Andino and other chefs.

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Best wines for Filipino barbecue

Cabernet Sauvignon

Photo from bc.cabernet.sauvignon/Instagram

Cabernet Sauvignon is a great wine to pair with barbecue because its full body complements the richness of barbecue sauces and grilled meats.

Its dark fruit flavors and tannins pair well with grilled meats and peppery barbecue sauces. The wine’s tobacco and bell pepper notes can deepen the flavors of the meat.

Syrah

Syrah is a natural choice for pairing with barbecue because its bold flavors complement the spices and smoky notes of barbecue.

A bold wine like Syrah can hold up to the intense flavors of barbecue pork. Its deep, smoky undertones mirror the grill’s charred essence.

Rosé

Rosé wine’s fruity and fresh taste complements barbecued meats.

Offering a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of barbecue, an off-dry or dry Rosé is sure to underscore the meat’s savory elements.

Malbec

Malbec wine pairs well with barbecue because of its smoky flavor and ability to complement a variety of barbecue sauces.

With hints of spice and robust fruitiness, this wine can boost the grilled meat’s rich flavors.

Chardonnay

A multifaceted choice for fish or chicken dishes with acidic marinades, this drink provides a crisp and refreshing contrast, making it one of Andino’s top choices for pairing with Filipino barbecue.

As Andino points out, “Following my recommendations for acidic marinade pairings for chicken or fish dishes, you can pair Filipino BBQ with Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.”

Sauvignon Blanc

Acting as a palate cleanser, its strong acidity enhances the sweet and tangy notes of Filipino barbecue marinades. This wine is also among Andino’s top picks.

Zinfandel

Its fruity flavors and subtle notes of spice beautifully balance the smoky sweetness of Pinoy-style barbecues.