5 wines to complement your barbecue
Are you planning to pull out the grill to make something delicious? Will it be chicken, burgers or fish? I have a few wine suggestions that you can find at your local spirits distributor for your next grilling experience.
Burger
We're all a fan of a burger on a Martin’s potato roll, or maybe a York City Pretzel roll, and no two burgers are alike with all the toppings and tastes you can add, from jalapenos, bacon and blue cheese to pickles and tomatoes. Picking a great wine that will enhance the flavor profiles of your burger is an important part of perfecting the experience.
For a big, bold burger topped with blue cheese, onions, and maybe even the works, you'll want a wine that is equally bold like a Malbec, Zinfandel or Côtes du Rhone. For a simpler cheeseburger, or a spicy burger, try a Pinot Noir or a light Tempranillo.
Domaine Vetriccie Corse Rosé 2015 Corsica France, $10
Because it is usually hot and muggy outside in the summer, a Rosé is great for a summer barbecue due to its refreshing nature. Domaine Vetricce is one of my favorite wines that I have tasted this summer. Wine Spectator gave this wine 89 points. The wine is made from some grapes you may have not heard of. The blend includes 50% Nielluciu (French for Sangiovese), 35% Sciarelluciu, and 15% Grenache. The wine is elegant and delicious with hints of watermelon and currant. An absolute must try.
Stellenrust Shiraz 2014, $11.99
This wine is from South Africa and offers aromas of violets. Upon tasting it, you will notice raspberry and pepper. If you like a medium body, dry red wine, this would be an excellent choice with your next burger.
Chicken, fish or a turkey burger
Zuccardi Serie A Torrontes Salta 2014, $13.99
Torrontes is a grape well known in Argentina. This white wine has aromas of flowers and citrus. You will notice flavors of pineapple and mango. Wine Enthusiast gave this wine 89 points. I grilled some fish in aluminum foil with some butter, lemon dill and thyme, which made for a great pairing.
Steak
Carini Captain Fantasy Red, $19.99 (normally $60)
This wine is a red blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. You will find it in short supply, so you won’t want to wait to try this wine. I smelled cherries and currants followed by tasting cherry, plum, pepper and some chocolate, and maybe a bit of spice, too. It is really complex and a wine I would recommend decanting a bit before serving.
Federalist Zinfandel 2013, $16.99
Wine Advocate and Wine Enthusiast gave this wine 90 points. This wine has aromas of raspberry and blackberry. It is well balanced with smooth finish and tastes on the plate of cherry and spice. It would go great with a steak or all by itself.
Don’t be afraid to try a white or a Rosé with your grilling this summer. Try a new grape varietal that you haven’t tried before. Bring home 3 wines and try a tasting of each with your food to determine which you enjoy the best. Drinking wine is a personal experience. Happy grilling and enjoy a great wine time barbecue.
Try them for yourself
What: Samples of Carini Captain Fantasy Red, Domaine Vetriccie Rosé, Stellenrust Shiraz and Zuccardi Serie A Torrentes Salta
When: 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, July 28 and Friday, July 29
Where: Fine Wine & Good Spirits, 2547 York Marketplace, York