Choosing a Wine... for Your Hot Dogs?

At a fine restaurant, a sommelier can give you advice on what wine will best suit your entree -- creating a culinary synergy akin to a match made in heaven. But how do you choose a best wine to compliment a -- how shall we put it -- less-refined meal? In Chicago, where they take their hot dogs seriously, the Tribune has an article on selecting the best wine for your dog. Most interviewed suggest a red wine with a "bright, cheerful fruit" to cut through the grease. Here's what the experts hae to say:

"The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council suggests serving red wines, such as shiraz or syrah, with spicier hot dogs. Milder franks can go with dry white wine, said Janet Riley, the Arlington, Va.-based council's senior vice president of public affairs."

Of course, the council recommends that instead of bringing wine to a barbecue, you bring something a bit more appropriate, like beer, lemonade, or iced tea. But don't let that stop you from giving the wine/weenie combo a try.

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