Southern food and wine: here are some down-home pairings

When you think of the Southern U.S., you probably think of things like hot weather, iced tea on the porch, and that famous Southern hospitality.

Oh, who are we kidding?

You probably think of things like ribs, fried chicken, pulled pork, beef brisket, and, of course, all the fixin's.

Those are the things on On The Coast's Master of Wine Barbara Philip's mind as she travels Tennessee, Kentucky and North Carolina.

And, as a master of wine, she's thinking of ways to bring vino into the Southern food conversation.

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"There's such a food culture here, but it's pretty overpowering," she told On The Coast host Stephen Quinn. "You need some power. Whether it comes from flavour or it comes from alcohol So think about big zinfandels, think about wine from Southern Italy, Cabernet Sauvignon."

"If you're thinking about white, it's got to have either some body or some sweetness. So, a little bit of Chardonnay with a little bit of toasty oak on it, Riesling with a little bit of residual sugar, especially if you've got a sweet sauce, which many of them are."

Here are some wine recommendations you maywant to check out.

Leitz Dragon Stone Riesling. Rheingau. Germany. 2014. $18.99

"Ripe peach, flowers and a stony minerality give this wine enough intensity to stand up to some fried cornbread while the zesty citrus flavours and juicy acidity cleanse the palate between bites."

Devil's Lair 'Hidden Cave' Chardonnay. Margaret River. Australia. 2014. $23.99

"This Chardonnay has ripe apple and pear fruit and enough body weight to stand up to some glorious fried chicken. The touch of spiciness from French oak gives it a lift and the cooler climate of Margaret River lends some refreshing acidity."

Lucorelli Negroamaro. Puglia. Italy. 2014. $12.99

"Negroamaro is a signature grape of Puglia and, in the glass, you can taste the warmth of this southern Italian region. Bold black fruits, spice and a pleasing bitterness make this a great pairing for pulled pork."

Road 13 'Jackpot' Syrah. Okanagan Valley. 2012. $40.00

"The Road 13 is a lovely example of Okanagan Valley Syrah with flavours that speak to both the warm and cool aspects of the climate. Imagine sitting down to a plate of BBQwith a glass of this spicy wine full of black fruits and sweet herbs." Not listed at B.C. liquor stores.