Wine and Sunshine: The Perfect Pairing for Your BBQ
The sun is finally shining, and the aromas of sizzling grills fill the air as we plan weekend BBQs with friends and loved ones. For us at Bacchus Wines PLDC, there’s something undeniably inviting about cooking and drinking outside, and we’re excited about the BBQ season. We’re already planning garden parties in our Hampshire office!
But what’s a perfect BBQ without the ideal drink to complement the delicious smoky flavours? Fear not, fellow grill masters and wine enthusiasts, because this blog is here to help you navigate the world of BBQ wines.
Understanding the BBQ Plate
First things first, BBQ food is a symphony of tastes. You’ve got the richness of grilled meats, the sweetness of barbecue sauces, often kicks of spice, and a plethora of chargrilled vegetables to throw on the grill. The key to successful wine pairing is finding a wine that cuts through the richness, complements the sweetness, and tames the heat (if present).
The Perfect Wine for BBQs
When it comes to BBQ feasts with good wines, the rule of thumb is crisp whites, bold reds, and versatile rosé.
Crisp White Wine – Bordeaux Blanc-Sec
A refreshing white wine is our choice for grilled fish, chicken, or veggie burgers. Opt for high-acidity wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Their acidity will cut through the fat and cleanse your palate between bites.
The Bordeaux Blanc-Sec by Château de Parenchère is a white wine with intense white and citrus fruit aromas. It is fresh and round on the palate and is expertly balanced.
The blend is created from the three major Bordeaux white grape varieties: Sauvignon for aroma and freshness, Sémillon for fleshiness, and Muscadelle for aromatic and sustained notes of white flowers. It offers body, acidity, and a tremendous all-around flavour.
The award-winning Bordeaux Blanc-Sec is ideal with barbecued fish and seafood. We love it with whole mackerel, fresh (shell-on) prawns and mussels. Mopping up the juices with crusty sourdough bread and a sip of the wine is a heavenly combination.
Audacious Red Wine – L’Équilibriste Bordeaux Rouge
When it comes to juicy meats such as burgers, smoky ribs, pulled pork, or roasted vegetables like courgettes, sweetcorn, and mushrooms, a robust red wine will work across all the above flavour profiles. Look for wines like Melot, Malbec, or Cabernet Franc. These wines have enough body to stand up to the meat’s richness but won’t overpower the sweetness of smoky vegetables.
L’Équilibriste Bordeaux Rouge by Château de Parenchère boasts the classic structure of Bordeaux wines with great aromas. It is a beautiful deep purple-red colour with intense nuances of blackcurrant, plum, blueberry and notes of peony and violet on the nose. On the palate, it is round, with crunchy and juicy fruit. Mineral and floral flavours continue on a subtle and silky tannic framework. The L’Équilibriste Bordeaux Rouge is ideal with roasted vegetables and grilled meats.
Versatile Rosé Wine – Bordeaux Clairet
Don’t underestimate the power of a bold rosé. This versatile wine pairs beautifully with various BBQ foods, especially if you enjoy a hint (or a lot!) of spice. Dry rosés with fruitiness are ideal for the smoky and spicy nuances.
Bordeaux Clairet by Château de Parenchère is a particularly aromatic wine with deep red fruit colour. It is more substantial than traditional rosés, with a good body and exuberant fruitiness. This roundness and pronounced structure make it a perfect rosé for gastronomy.
It is composed of 100 % Merlot and offers suppleness, fruitiness, and roundness. The award-winning rosé is very versatile and great with spiced food, Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine, meat, and seafood. There really isn’t a barbequed ingredient that we would not recommend it with!
Remember that choosing a wine you enjoy for your perfect BBQ is the most important factor. Experiment with different varietals and find what best complements your BBQ spread. After all, a good BBQ is all about good food, great company, and good times, but the perfect glass of wine will elevate the experience to a whole new level.