WHAT WINE GOES BEST WITH RIBS
In the 2020 film “Uncorked”, a young man (Elijah) goes against his father’s wishes when he decides to pursue becoming a wine sommelier instead of taking over their family-owned ribs and barbecue restaurant in Memphis.
Basically, it’s a story about tasty ribs and the world of wine world or vice versa. But where the movie falls short is that it fails to answer the burning question: What wines pair with what ribs? Read on to learn a few matches made in heaven.
For those who haven’t seen Uncorked – I just saw it a few days ago so don’t judge me –the movie is a bit formulaic but still highly engaging for anyone who strives to know more about wine.
On top of the thrown sits the Master Sommelier – and Elijah finds out becoming one is no small feat. There are only around 300 Master Sommeliers in the entire world today. We’re not talking every day wine pimps on commission. This young man, Eijah, has big dreams and he goes all in.
The story is loosely based on the life of African-American sommelier DLynn Proctor and hist journey to become a Master Sommelier.
In one scene, Elija, breaks down wine varieties comparing them to famous rappers. A delicious dose of wine edutainment that takes you back to when Biggie Smalls dropped Ten Commandments:
“Chardonnay is the Jay-Z of wine because it’s“versatile, smooth, and can kind of go with anything,” Elija says.
Pinot Grigio is akin to Kanye West as it has a little bit of spice and is likely to surprise you.
Riesling is best represented by Drake for being “crisp, clean, [and] usually kind of sweet.”
So, was Uncorked satisfying? Yes, but it could have been epic. How does a movie about wine and ribs leave out leave out a scene where Elijah laments about the perfect ribs and wine combination? It’s not everyday that a budding Hip Hop sommelier is working at a rib joint. The truth is the movie didn’t even try, so we turned to Chef Traci for answers:
Ask Chef Traci
Chef Traci: “When it comes to ribs and wine pairing it depends… Do you prefer pork or a beef slab? What regional style? Are we talking Texas style ribs, North Carolina, Kansas City, St. Louis…?”
Me: Hmm…? Kansas City ribs are already in the cart so we’re ready to pull the trigger with FreshDirect.
Chef Traci: “Then I’d go for a serious Old Vine Zinfandel. Red zinfandel absolutely. Or a Cabernet Franc. Please, no cheap white Zinfandel! Trust me on this.” Here are a few matches made in heaven.
Old Vine Zinfandels
Gringchi Hill
Seghesio Zinfandel
Gnarly Head*
*For ballers on a budget.
Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel is made from grapes from 35 to 80 year old vines. Rich, dark berry flavors from the small grape clusters are balanced with French, American and Hungarian oak. Luscious layers of plum, pepper and chocolate provide a lingering and spicy finish. Excellent choice!
More from Chef Traci
Chef Traci S. McIlwain was raised in Harlem, NYC and now resides in Miami, Florida.
He is currently executive and personal chef-owner of Good Eating Sobe and has worked as personal chef for the actor, Wesley Snipes and for the private country club of golf legend, Greg Norman. Chef Traci has cooked for celebrities, sports figures and some of the wealthiest corporate retirees on the Atlantic Seaboard.
Chef Traci’s menu emphasizes the interplay of bright Mediterranean flavors using an abundance of fresh local seafood with a focus on healthy and sustainable cuisine.
