Are you wondering what bottle to take to a BBQ this summer? No idea where to start? Well, here are my top wine styles that will wow your friends and family!
It’s always difficult to choose a bottle of wine to take to any gathering or event. A bottle of fizz (or beer!) is always a safe option, but if you are considering alternative styles, there are some fantastic white, rosé, and red wines that will pair wonderfully with BBQ food.
Let’s start with the whites…
Your loyal friend Pinot Grigio is a safe bet, easy drinking white from Italy, BUT, no! I am stopping you there and I am going to introduce you to Pinot Gris. Yes, the same grape but made in different styles and different countries. Pinot Gris is often more complex on the palate, made in a richer style, and can sometimes have a slight oily texture to it. You can find some great examples in France, in the region of Alsace. I recently tried a gorgeous Pinot Gris from Nelson, in the South Island of New Zealand. Absolutely gorgeous! This will pair deliciously with anything with a slight kick and spice to it at a BBQ!
Waimea Estate Pinot Gris 2019, Nelson – Majestic Wine
Up next, say ‘Hola’ to a Spanish white wine from the wine region of D.O. Rueda, located in Castilla y León. Rueda is a region with so much history, smack bang in between wine-making regions which are famous for their red wines. Verdejo is the star grape of this region and makes some fantastic fruit-driven white wines. Often described as the Sauvignon Blanc of Spain, I actually feel this would be a winner at a BBQ! It’s a wine that would suit most palates. Some can be oaked, but most of the ones I have come across are fresh, crisp and with an abundance of stone fruit aromas and tropical fruit too! Ideal pairing for crunchy summer salads and BBQ chicken.
Rueda Blanco 2019 Marqués de Riscal, Spain – Majestic Wine
Say Yey to Rosé!
I am a rosé girl, and no, I don’t always go for the paler ones; some of the finest rosé wines I have tried have sometimes been darker than usual. However, if you are attending a BBQ, and turn up with a bottle of rosé, most of the rosé lovers at the event, will be expecting a paler style.
Check out the Mariselle rosé wines from Majestic Wine – Buy Wine & Champagne Online. New to the range and made by their Head of Buying, Master of Wine Matthew Fowkes, together with Château Gassier, these wines are just incredible. There are two in the range, one is the Côtes de Provence regional blend, and the other is from the famous appellation of Sainte Victoire. The latter is richer, creamy and slightly more complex. Both will pair well with hot dogs, or chicken skewers, with a nice Mediterranean-inspired salad.
Maison Mariselle 2024, Côtes de Provence
Maison Mariselle 2024, Côtes de Provence Saint Victoire
Big, powerful & meaty reds!
BBQ nights and a bottle of red wine is always a fantastic idea. I couldn’t just choose one, so here are three of my favourite red grapes which will all pair well with burgers, ribs and other hearty BBQ dishes with rich favours!
- Primitivo, and Italian red grape from the region of Puglia in the South of Italy. Ripe fruit with a touch of smokiness and spice! Below are some of my favourite Primitivo reds!
Vallone Versante Primitivo, Salento IGP – Boutinot
Surani Costarossa Primitivo di Manduria – Majestic Wine
2. Malbec– Who doesn’t love a Malbec? Very safe red wine option for BBQ season. Get one from Mendoza, in Argentina. Packed full of moreish redberries, blueberries, vanilla and a lovely touch of acidity balancing the wine. My absolute favourite and at a fantastic price!
Catena Malbec 2018, Mendoza – Majestic Wine
3. Last, but not least, Shiraz- Australia’s famous take on the grape that started it’s wine journey in the Rhône Valley, France. This particular Shiraz is from some of the oldest vines in the Barossa Valley. It’s rich, velvety, smooth with notes of dark chocolate, mint, black pepper and raspberries.
Tenacity Old Vine Reserve Shiraz 2022, Barossa Valley
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These wine tips will definitely make sure people notice you at this Summer’s BBQs!!! Follow me on social media @lingovino and tag me in your BBQ wine and food pairings!
Always remember to drink sensibly!
Your wine girl, Laura xx