Pairing
Flavors
A Curated Culinary Journey of Regional Rioja Moments
Destination: South Central – Dallas
Dallas locals thought their BBQ couldn’t get any better—until they paired its smoky flavors with the rich elegance of Rioja’s wines.
LOCAL FLAVOR RECIPES
The Secret Sauce for Dallas BBQ: Rioja
When we visited Terry Black’s Barbecue in Dallas for lunch, showing up with an empty stomach was an absolute must.
Upon entering the restaurant, we saw why it’s known for legendary Central Texas BBQ. As we watched their famous Pork Spare Ribs get prepared, trimmed, and seasoned, it was hard to focus on anything else. Well, that’s until we realized that we had a full meal to order, along with Rioja pairings to pick.
Served with the perfect amount of smokiness and green beans on the side, Terry Black’s Pork Spare Ribs knew how to make an entrance. But we couldn’t say no to trying the green beans first, which were a perfectly cooked palate-warmer for the main event.
When it came to the Pork Spare Ribs, only an aged Rioja red could rise to the occasion. Each sip drew us back for another bite of these smoky Texas-style ribs, effortlessly offsetting the sweet heat of their famous Spicy Barbecue Sauce.
After our mesmerizing main course, we thankfully still had room for Terry Black’s famous Mini Pecan Pies, which inspired a pairing you’ll see below. But instead of traveling to Dallas, you can recreate this full-course Texas BBQ experience at home.
Lasso a Full Course from Dallas
The flavors we paired with Rioja in Dallas are meant to be found everywhere, no matter where you live. We brought these recipes home to make an elevated meal, so now you can, too.
Starting out with the side dish, we have Seasoned Salt Green Beans with Sautéed Onions. This simple yet delicious side was absolutely meant for the crisp white Rioja wines that showcase the beauty of Viura grapes, especially the ones with citrus notes.
2,000 years of winemaking knowledge and four generations of pitmaster experience collide perfectly in our main course. Even in this homemade version of their recipe, Terry Black’s Pork Spare Ribs live up to the hype. But when paired with the beautifully aged complexities of a red Rioja Reserva, these fall-off-the-bone slow-smoked ribs are somehow even better.
Homemade and baked from scratch daily, Terry Black’s family recipe for Mini Pecan Pies is a big favorite among locals. When coupled with the uniquely robust tannins and vibrant acidity of a 100% Graciano Rioja wine, it’ll be just as big of a hit at your dinner table.
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