Baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Cabernet?

Americans have enjoyed hot dogs since 1871, when a German baker by the name of Charles Feltman opened the first Coney Island hot dog stand.

Although a beer is the usual beverage of choice, have you tried hot dog and wine pairings? It may sound strange, but this is a case of “tasting is believing.” We’re not expecting you to chug a bottle of vino at PNC park with your $3.50 dog (although, we may have smuggled a dry Rosé or two into the Pittsburgh Zoo recently), but for those nights when you’re watching the Buccos on TV and want to serve your guest (or just yourself) something a little more exciting than nachos and PBR, well, your Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Wine Society has you covered!

Have a look at the pairings below and let us know what you think!  

Chicago Dog

The Chicago dog is famous, and a level 5 wine pairing disaster. Poppy seed bun, neon relish, celery salt, onions, pickle spear, tomatoes, mustard, sport peppers (and, never ketchup). Try a Beaujolais. High acidity red wines that have fresh, tart fruit, like Beaujolais, complement salty and spiced foods very well!

Wine Pairing: Beaujolais.

Try:     Louis Jadot Beaujolais Vilages     PLCB: 7208  $14.99

Classic Dog

For those traditionalists who prefer just ketchup or mustard on your dog, try a sparkling wine.  The acidity will match the tang of either topping and will also balance the fattiness of the dog. Plus, bubbly is as fun to drink as a hot dog is to eat!

Wine Pairing: Sparkling Wine

Try:     Poema Cava Brut    PLCB:2456                           $10.39

Chili Dog

Chili Cheese Dogs are a very popular way to eat a hot dog. Hot dogs are placed in a bun, smothered with chili and topped with shredded cheddar cheese. Kids love them, adults love them. A full-bodied Shiraz from Australia or a Zinfandel from the States fit the bill; even better if it is in a style that has low tannins and a bit of oak to cool down any spice or sliced jalapeños.

Wine Pairing: Syrah/Shiraz; Zinfandel

Try:     Knock Knock Shiraz 2016 PLCB: 75114             $21.99

            Carnivor Zinfandel   PLCB: 2053                          $12.99

Bacon Wrapped Cheese Dog

Slice a hot dog down the middle, stuff it with cheddar cheese, and wrap it in bacon before grilling. A wine with some acidity will cut through the weight and fat of this meat/cheese combination, while cleansing the palate after each bite. A wine with tannins is also a good choice here because tannins act like acidity when paired with richer foods. 

Wine Pairing: Aglianico; Garnacha

Try:     Di Majo Norante Aglianico Molise PLCB: 74887             $14.99

            Las Rocas Garnacha          PLCB: 3404                          $9.99

Corn Dog

If corn dogs are your choice, or you go for other deep-fried things like fried chicken, breaded shrimp, or fish and chips, think bubbles! Sparkling wines are made for fried and salty foods. Or, a semi-dry Riesling. Riesling is also a match made in heaven with corn dogs. And if you’ve never had wine with corn dogs, now is the time to start. The Riesling matches the sweetness of the outer cornbread and quells the saltiness of the hot dog center. Shall we start requesting Riesling at the fair?

Wine Pairing: Sparkling Wine; Riesling

Try:     La Marca Prosecco              PLCB:3636                           $16.99

            Kung Fu Girl Riesling         PLCB:7465                           $11.99

           

Pairings by Condiment

Ketchup

Choose a red wine, but not one that’s too full-bodied, because the sweetness of the ketchup doesn’t match well with full-bodied red wines. We suggest a fruity Cabernet/Merlot blend.

Mustard

Mustard fans might appreciate a little history lesson. Dijon is world-renowned as a mustard source. Although the stuff in the yellow squeeze bottle is tamer in flavor, the basic taste profile is similar. Since Dijon is the capital of the Burgundy region in France, look for grapes that are from in Burgundy. For fans of white, try a wine like an un-oaked Chardonnay. For fans of red, have a Pinot Noir.

Pickled things

If you prefer pickled things like relish or sauerkraut on your dog, it’s best to match the acidity of those with something tangy and with a little bit of fruit to round it out. A Sauvignon Blanc is a nice match. If you don’t want too much tanginess, you can try a Bordeaux white blend. If you prefer a spicy pickle like kimchi, you’ll need a bit of sweetness to cut the heat. Gewurztraminer is a great pick.

Grilled onions

If savory flavors like grilled onions are your favorite, try a Chardonnay or Cabernet Franc. The caramelization of the onions works well with an oaked Chardonnay or a medium-bodied, earthy red.

The works

With such a mixture of flavors and aromas, a dog with “the works” needs something that will refresh the palate. Off-dry Rosé works well.