Grilled pork chops takes on a smoky char from the flame that adds a savoury, caramelised edge to pork chops, mild and savoury, sitting between white and red wine territory, with a gentle richness and slight sweetness that reward wines with bright fruit and fresh acidity. The pairing flexes with the seasoning — fruitier wines for sweet glazes, savoury reds for herb rubs. Keep tannin moderate so it doesn't dry out the lean chop. The grill's smoke rewards wines with a savoury streak; aim to balance the char without burying the dish.
Our sommelier's picks
Light, fresh red
14–16°C (57–61°F)Pinot Noir · Central Otago, New Zealand
Pinot's cherry fruit and supple tannin flatter pork's savoury character without drying the lean meat.
Chilean Pinot offers value in the same style.
Spiced red
16–18°C (60–64°F)Grenache · Southern Rhône, France
Grenache's warm red fruit and spice suit pork chops, especially with a herb rub or garlic.
Côtes du Rhône is great value.
Off-dry aromatic white
8–11°C (46–52°F)Riesling · Mosel, Germany
A touch of Riesling sweetness pairs brilliantly with pork and any sweet glaze, its acidity keeping things fresh.
Mosel Kabinett is wonderful value.
Juicy chilled red
13–15°C (55–59°F)Gamay · Beaujolais, France
Lightly chilled Beaujolais brings fruit and freshness that flatter pork without heavy tannin.
Beaujolais-Villages is affordable.
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Start free — track your cellarQuestions about pairing Grilled Pork Chops
What wine pairs with pork chops?
Medium-bodied reds like Pinot Noir and Grenache, or aromatic whites like Riesling — all match pork's savoury character.
What suits a sweet glaze on pork?
An off-dry Riesling — its fruit sweetness mirrors the glaze while its acidity keeps the pairing fresh.
Should I avoid tannic reds with pork?
Heavy tannin can dry out lean pork; choose fruit-forward, moderate-tannin reds or aromatic whites.