31 Aug 2023
As the end of the summer holidays draws near, I’ve put together a carefully selected a quartet of BBQ wines, designed to be enjoyed in the company of great friends, over what looks like being a sunny weekend.
These wines beautifully complement the rich flavours of grilled dishes, whether the sun graces us with its presence or clouds add a touch of cozy ambiance. From bold and robust to elegantly smooth, this selection caters to a variety of preferences, ensuring a delightful experience for all.
Venture to Puglia and explore the legacy of historic vines revitalized by winemaker Angelo Maci.
Maci’s conviction that the once-considered unprofitable Negroamaro and Primitivo vines could yield magnificent reds has borne fruit in this blend. With 80% Negroamaro and 20% Primitivo, the vines bask in abundant sunshine, infusing the grapes with the warmth of their terroir. A ruby-red hue unveils notes of ripe red fruits, bramble, smoke, and rich herbal spice. On the palate, elegance and smoothness prevail, supported by balanced acidity and matured tannins. As you fire up the grill and try this wine with lamb chops or BBQ ribs.
Discover the spirit of reinvention and innovation in winemaking with Raúl Pérez’s Ultreia Saint Jacques 2020. A true gem from the Bierzo region, this Mencia-based red, named after the Camino de Santiago, captures the essence of old Bierzo vineyards revived by Pérez’s vision.
Blending grapes from clay and sand bodied red with cherry notes. A perfect com soils, it matures in traditional oak vats, delivering a refreshing medium-panion to the sizzle of charcoal-grilled pork cutlets in your summer bank holiday festivities.
Ramón Bilbao Viñedos De Altura 2019 – 14% ABV, Rioja (£17.75 from The Great Wine Co greatwine.co.uk)
Elevate your wine experience with Ramón Bilbao’s Viñedos De Altura 2019, a testament to the art of pushing viticultural boundaries. Crafted by winemaker Rodolfo Bastida, this blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha grapes from high-altitude vineyards in Rioja expresses red fruit elegance and freshness. A thoroughly modern and expressive wine, it complements late summer barbecued beef and even pairs splendidly with Stilton…..maybe one for the end of the evening!
Embrace the cool coastal influence of the Kalfu Molu Pinot Noir 2021, a creation from Ventisquero Wine Estates. The name, meaning “where the sun sets” resonates in this coastal wine from the Casablanca Valley.
Crafted by winemaker Alejandro Galaz, it’s a pure expression of the region’s terroir. Notes of cherry and raspberry with a touch of vanilla and cinnamon from oak aging make it a delightful partner for barbecued chicken with thyme or richly marinated vegetarian kebabs.
And did you know? The indigenous Mapuche people didn’t know the Earth rotated, so thought the stars they saw over the Pacific Ocean dropped into the sea and became starfish – hence the starfish on the label.
