Kansas City Style BBQ is a slow-smoked pork dish featuring a blend of savory and sweet flavors. The meat is rubbed with a mixture of smoked paprika, garlic, onion, brown sugar, cumin, and black pepper before being smoked to tender perfection. The tangy, molasses-based sauce combines ketchup, Worcestershire, apple cider vinegar, cayenne pepper, and tomato sauce for a rich, bold finish.
For Kansas City Style BBQ, a full-bodied red wine like Merlot is an excellent pairing choice. The smoky, savory flavors of the pork, enhanced by the spices and molasses-based sauce, call for a wine with enough structure and fruit to stand up to the bold taste. Merlot's soft tannins and plush fruit character complement the tender meat, while its subtle earthy notes harmonize with the smoky elements of the dish.