THE CURIOUS QUAFFER
BARBEQUE WINES
Summer is supposed to be the time to light the coals, to enjoy the
sun and to relax in the warm evenings. It is when the weather is
supposed to be sweet. Well that’s the theory anyway. Have we had a
summer in 2019? If we have it has either been short, covering only
a handful of sunny days, or I have somehow missed it altogether!
Whether it is sunny, cloudy or wet though, the nights are still long.
Until the end of September, perhaps even into early October, we have
the chance to light up the barbeque in the evening, take a chance with
the weather and then enjoy whatever it throws at us. For my part – I
barbeque whatever the weather. Whilst it is nice to eat ‘al fresco’ you
can always bring your food inside. Just this last weekend I spent a few
hours slaving away over some hot coals in drizzle! We ate inside.
So, what should we drink with food from the barbeque? The truth is
that you should drink what you want – not what someone else says
that you should be, or ought be, drinking. Much also depends on what
you are cooking too (perhaps stating the obvious). I guess many of
us will go for a beer or two. If that is what you like – go for it. Even
a chilled glass of cider works well with some things (nice bit of belly
pork perhaps). But what about wine? Always remaining faithful to
the motto ‘drink what you like and don’t just buy what others say you
should, or ought, be drinking’, here are some pointers and, perhaps, the
odd unusual combination to try:
THE 'ALL ROUNDERS'
There are some good all-rounders, when it comes to barbequed food,
which can pair with almost anything. For my part, two of the best are
new world pinot noir and dry rose. Search for yourself, to find what
you like, from either or both of these categories. There is a lot out
there in both categories that will fit the bill. But from my own recent
experience, indeed probably from my own experiments, perhaps I can
invite you to look out for:
46 wirrallife.com
Mathilde Chapoutier ‘Sainte Victoire Grand Ferrage’ (2018) – I
had this delivered from France after discovering the Vinatis website
– great wines and as easy as having your online groceries delivered
from the supermarket. At £14.50 a bottle, this comes from a producer
with a famous name - Mathilde is the daughter of the infamous Michel
Chapoutier. A blend of black grenache, syrah, cinsault, cabernet
sauvignon, clairette & rolle (vermentino). On the nose you get citrus
and, as the Vinatis website itself extols, ‘exotic fruit’. This is a fresh and
delicate wine – but it is so good that it really holds its own against even
the strongest of foods. I recently paired this with curried lamb and
rosemary kebabs. It was wonderful - and don’t be put off by ordering
from France. You will find a great selection of wines and a great service.
Who knows what will happen if and when Brexit happens? Perhaps get
in early then?
Domaine Tempier Bandol Rosé (2014) – Another great rose from
Provence. This is what you would call a classic, solid, thumpingly good
rose. A blend of 55% mourvedre, 25% grenache and 20% cinsault.
Strawberries and red fruit on the nose, with a touch of creaminess.
This is a beautifully balanced wine with hints of herb, strawberry, rose,
peach and even some melon. Almost juicy, wonderfully fresh and
a nice complexity. One of the best? Probably. This and more recent
vintages sell for anywhere in the region of £25 - £30 a bottle. Well
worth trying if you like classic Provence rose.
Byron ‘Nielson Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (2014) - From the Santa Maria
Valley in California. Seductive, ripe fruit, beautifully proportioned
and wonderfully tasty. Aromas of red/ wild fruit. Cherry, raspberry,
cranberry, strawberry, plum – a bit of all sorts. Vanilla, a hint of
spice and a touch of earth come through too. Stunning and beautiful.
Recently drank with barbequed salmon, with a parmesan and parsley
crust. My most recent purchase of this wine was from D. Byrne & Co
in Clithroe (and they will ship and deliver to you). Also available from
other online vendors this will, depending on vintage, set you back
about £35 - 40 a bottle.