Grillin’ & Chillin’: Wines to Invite to Your Next Barbecue
With summer in full swing at Seven Mile Beach, it’s the perfect time to fire up the grill and enjoy some outdoor cooking. At Fred’s Avalon Liquor Store, we’ve curated a selection of wines that pair perfectly with all your favorite grilled foods. From juicy steaks and burgers to fresh seafood, our wine recommendations will elevate your summer barbecues and make every meal a memorable one.
When in doubt, rosé is always a great choice to pair with your grilled food. This refreshing pink goes with almost every grilled and smoked food.
COMMANDERIE DE LA BARGEMONE ROSÉ (Provence, France): Says Vinous Media: “Pale pink in the glass, this ’23 rosé rushes the mouth with lively, almost spritzy, acidity. Generous and tropical in its aromatic flavors, the mix of tart pineapple, chamomile, white cherry, mint, and salty sea breeze is particularly enticing. What strikes me most about the ’23 is its balance. The finish is quite long. This is everything I want from Provencal rosé.”
VINEKA ROSATO (Puglia, Italy): Refreshing and versatile, showing a bright radiant pink color in the glass, its broad, well-rounded, fragrant bouquet features citrus notes layered over fruity red berries. A charming well-balanced palate with a touch of salt from the sea of Puglia.
FAMILLE HERAUD ROSÉ DES COLLINES (Loire, France): A beautiful blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay grapes from the Loire Valley bursting from the glass with extremely bright and fresh fruits, such a refreshing and dry rosé!
DOMAINE VAL DE CAIRE ROSÉ (Rognes, France): Composed of 75% Grenache, 15% Sarah, and 10% Cinsault, this glorious pale salmon pink this rosé presents lifted aromas of bright berry fruit and stone fruit the palate is full of vibrant fruit, (strawberry, white peach, and citrus) laced with vivacious acidity and crisp minerality.
Of course, white wines are clearly suited to grilled seafood, chicken, fish, and vegetable dishes.
VON DONABAUM GRUNER VELTLINER (Burgenland, Austria): This Gruner Veltliner is sourced from organically farmed wines. This is a clean and crisp representation of Gruner, showcasing lively aromas of green apple, white stone fruit, and an enticing combination of white pepper and jasmine. The palate is vibrant and lean, displaying a bright concentration of tree fruit complemented by notes of lemon zest, white slate, and fine herbs. This is a perfect companion for vegetable-based dishes.
VINEKA VERDECA (Puglia, Italy): Another great wine from Vineka, this wine is made from 100% Verdeca grapes. It has a bright straw color with distinctive greenish highlights, and intense warm citrus and stone fruit nose with an invigorating edge. In the mouth it is tangy and slightly tart with good length, crisp and clean Mediterranean wine from the Puglian coast.
AUNTSFIELD SAUVIGNON BLANC (Marlborough, New Zealand): “Hailing from the richer soils of Marlborough’s southern valleys, Auntsfields 2023 Sauvignon Blanc is its usual textured supple self,” according to Vinous Media. “It is richly aromatic, offering up an array of flavors from gooseberry, mint, and green capsicum to pineapple and passion fruit, it is dry, pure, and round with a line of racy yet balanced acidity that carries the wine’s fragrance across the palate and to the long finish.”
TENUTA GORGHI TONDI GRILLO (Sicily, Italy): This is 100% Grillo, a white grape from the western coast of Sicily. It has a brilliant yellow color with greenish reflections. The nose is elegant and intense with distinct notes of tropical fruits, mint, pineapple, and white peach. On the palate, this delicious, medium-bodied wine is rich and fragrant with a lively acidity and a great persistence.
Light red wines pair nicely with burgers, ribs, and pork chops. While heavier reds can pair with steak and brisket, it is usually best to avoid heavily tannic or high-alcohol wines and to keep the wines clean and refreshing.
LA BARROCHE LIBERTY (Rhone, France): This superb wine is made by one of Chateauneuf du Pape’s great wine producers. The grapes for Liberty by Barroche are made from a blend of 50-year-old vines grown in the southernmost parts of the Rhone Valley. Says Jeb Dunnick: “It tastes like a Chateauneuf du Pape with its big juicy black raspberry fruit violets, peppery herbs, and distinct minerality. Concentrated and structured with a sappy grippy style that will evolve nicely for seven to eight more years.
VINEKA NEGROAMARO (Puglia, Italy): This is 100% Negroamaro, a full-bodied, structured wine with an enigmatic character. Deep red in the glass with ruby highlight and purplish hints, the palate is dominated by dark forest fruits, plum, and blackberry with hints of earthiness, meadow herbs, and sea breeze.
DOMAINE VAL DE CAIRE ROUGE (Provence, France): This beautiful red shows a deep dark ruby color in the glass, displaying aromas of red and blackberry fruit tinged with notes of anise and dried rosemary. The palate is powerful and balanced, offering flavors of black raspberry, cherry, and cassis that are enveloped by silky tannins and a rounded acidity.
As you enjoy the best of summer grilling, choosing from these selections will ensure that every meal, from casual cookouts to elegant dinners, is complemented by the ideal bottle. Stop by Fred’s in Avalon to explore these recommendations and discover new favorites that will make your summer gatherings even more special. Cheers to great food, fantastic wine, and unforgettable summer nights!
Please drink responsibly!
