7 of the best summer BBQ wines from Novel Wines
As the world continues to adjust to its “new normal,” home cooking seems to be one of the few constants. And with summer just over the horizon, there’s no better time to dust off the BBQ and fire up the grill. Here at Novel Wines, we’ve shortlisted our top seven wines for a sizzling summer of barbecue meals.
No matter how many (or few) people you’re serving, cooking over fire in the open air takes us back to our roots. Besides, there’s nothing like a home-cooked meal to add some structure to our new summer schedule.
If you don’t have access to a garden or outside space, have no fear. There are many public spaces with designated BBQ areas across the UK - or you can simply enjoy them indoors!
The barbecue is the answer to socially distanced summer fun in 2020 - so why not enjoy it to the full with a very Novel Wine?
A Merlot alternative to pair with barbecued lamb
Merlot lovers, now’s the time to spread your wings and fly. The Tikves Cuvée Methodius Vranec is a fresh and fruity alternative to a much-loved wine variety. This Macedonian red pairs well with smoked meats, and in particular - barbecued lamb. Enjoy vibrant aromas of forest fruits, with a silky body of cocoa and juicy plum. This beauty is also 100% vegan, in case you’re preparing a meat-free feast.
A dry white wine to pair with grilled halloumi and garden green salad
The benchmark Furmint from Kardos is a white wine grown on volcanic soil, giving it an electrifying acidity that simply cannot be rivalled. Pair it with grilled halloumi and fresh green salads for the perfect accompaniment to a vegetarian BBQ, and to bring out the mouthwatering notes of gooseberry, ripe pear and lime.
A full-bodied red for juicy BBQ meat and cheeseburgers
If you find something alluring about the alchemy of wood and fire, this is the wine for you. The Alpha Estate Hedgehog from Macedonia is a mature red wine that balances fresh notes of blackberry with warm, clove spice.
Perfect for balmy summer evenings cosied up in front of a fire, this is a single vineyard bottle from the Amyndeon plateau where grapes enjoy a slow-ripening season. Pair it with juicy BBQ meat of your choice, and homemade cheeseburgers.
An elegant, organic white wine for Mediterranean tapas
Let your tastebuds transport you to the Mediterranean with the Colomba Bianca Vitese, a well rounded Sicilian white. Expect fresh fruity flavours of white peach, orange zest and lime and gorgeous floral aromas. Pair it with cured hams, fish or just about any type of Mediterranean tapas while dining al-fresco.
A rich red for cheesy Portobello mushrooms on the grill
Bring some decadence into your barbecue menu, with a bottle of Pegoes Colheita from Portugal. It has full-bodied flavours of chocolate-coated black fruits, and immense complexity. This wine will go beautifully with grilled Portobello mushrooms, or just about any cheese selection.
A South African Syrah to enjoy with chargrilled Gyros
South Africa is home of the braai, so it’s only fitting that the Dorrance Syrah Cuvée should make an appearance for your barbecue feast. Straight from the Western Cape, the grapes are left to ferment naturally, and the wine is finished in French oak barrels to give it an elegant finale. The vivid fruity flavours and notes of spicy black pepper make this a fantastic red wine for pairing with chicken Gyros or Moroccan lamb.
An Indian Shiraz for warm and spicy BBQ dishes
This highly acclaimed Shiraz from Sula Vineyards in Maharashtra was created to compliment the spiciness of Indian cuisine, but goes equally well with smoky BBQ flavours. Notes of smoky vanilla and cocoa combine with sweeter notes of prune and blueberries, which come alive when paired with your favourite spicy dish.
Stock up on your reds from our BBQ selection and invest in a case of six here.
