Brenda McCormick | Copywriter
Whatever the weather might be doing, summer is most definitely bbq season. And while you're deciding what to cook on your grill, don’t forget about curating a drinks menu to match.
It’s well known that pairing the right wine with food can enhance flavours and add to the whole experience. This is just as true with barbecue dishes so we've come up with some great wines to enjoy with some classic bbq staples.
The dish: Grilled salmon
The wine: Sparkling rosé
A salmon steak or fillet is a fantastic option for a barbecue. It’s light and easy to cook - and you can add all sorts of flavours with marinades and sauces.
Try: Valhondo Rosé Brut Cava
WAS €19.95 NOW €15.95
Serve it with a delicate sparkling rosé like Valhondo Rosé Brut Cava. Made in the same manner as Champagne (but without the price tag), it’s elegant and fresh with red fruit flavours and fine bubbles.
BUY NOW
The dish: Chicken
The wine: Albariño
A bbq staple, chicken is tasty and versatile – think chicken skewers, perhaps, or a grilled chicken salad. If you’re keeping things simple a zingy, fresh white wine can work very well with chicken.
Try: Geal Albariño
€24.95
Geal Albariño from Spain’s Rías Baixas, is made by Lynne Coyle MW O’Briens Wine Director and the family-owned Lagar de Costa. Light and refreshing with green fruit notes and a hint of peach, it’s also a great one to pair with seafood.
The dish: Burgers
The wine: Cabernet Sauvignon/blend
If you’re talking classic barbecue essentials, a burger is surely at the top of the list. When it comes to pairing it with a wine, a good red is the way to go.
Try: Longview LV Shiraz-Cabernet
WAS €18.95
Longview’s LV Shiraz-Cabernet is something of an Australian classic which brings together the dark fruits and spice of Shiraz and the savoury oomph of Cabernet Sauvignon.
BUY NOW
The dish: Grilled veg
The wine: Spanish Tempranillo
Grilled vegetables bring whole array of flavours and textures – and add a dash of colour too. From slices of grilled courgette and aubergine to classic grilled veg skewers, the options are endless.
Try: Monte Real Tempranillo
WAS €17.95
Try teaming you grilled veggies with a fruity Spanish Tempranillo. This top option hails from the famous Bodegas Riojanas in the Rioja region – it’s silky smooth and delicious.
The dish: Halloumi or Feta cheese
The wine: Sauvignon Blanc
While grilled cheeses might already be a bbq staple if you’re not much of a meat eater, they also deserve a place on the picnic table of even the most committed carnivore. Tasty and versatile, they elevate side dishes and pair perfectly with salads.
Try: Muller's Valley Sauvignon Blanc
€16.95
Add a crisp Sauvignon Blanc into the mix and you’re onto a winner! This one from South Africa’s Muller's Valley is packed with delicious fruity notes and a fresh acidity.
All prices are correct at time published. Please check our website or stores for the most up-to-date pricing and offers.
READ MORE:
How To Make The Perfect Wine Spritzer
How To Tell If Wine Is Corked