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When it comes to a barbecue, the conventional choice for wine is a big, robust red, especially if there’s meat involved. However, there’s no hard and fast rule that says you must follow this tradition. While there are many rosé options available today (personally, I prefer the robust Spanish styles over the pale Provençal ones when grilling), have you ever considered a white wine?
We often get fixated on the usual suspects like sauvignon blanc and pinot grigio, and forget that there are other fuller-bodied whites that can complement the flavors of barbecued food. Whites from the Rhône region and southern France, particularly those made from grenache blanc, roussanne, marsanne, and viognier grapes, are excellent choices. These wines can have a savory, almost earthy character, and some even have delicious peach flavors that pair well with grilled chicken. South African winemakers produce similar wines, such as the reasonably priced Rhône blend from Aldi mentioned in today’s selection. Another recommendation is the smooth Leon Perdigal Lirac Blanc 2022 (12.5%) from the less familiar white Rhône category, available at Majestic.
Of course, there’s always chardonnay. There are those who love the big, bold, oaky chardonnays, despite claiming otherwise, and they happen to be perfect for a barbecue. Try them with chicken or corn dishes – they pair wonderfully with corn on the cob or cornbread, which is, in my opinion, the ultimate barbecue accompaniment. There’s an abundance of well-priced chardonnay options, as well as chardonnay blends like the Piccini in this week’s selection, which complement fish such as salmon.
You should also consider other full-bodied whites such as oaked white Rioja (check the label for oakiness, as unoaked versions tend to be bright and citrusy) and godello from northern Spain. Another good option is oaked chenin blanc, particularly when made from old bush vines. South Africa is a great place to find these wines, often referred to as Cape whites when in blends. And if you’re having a Middle Eastern-style barbecue, don’t overlook orange wines (white wines made with extended skin contact), which pair beautifully with grilled food, especially aubergines.
Lastly, as mentioned last week, it’s important not to serve these richer whites or orange wines too cold. Instead, chill them to a refreshing temperature, without over-icing. Ideally, fill your glass halfway to fully appreciate their flavors.
Five whites that work with a barbecue
Aldi Specially Selected South African Rhône Blend 2021/22
£6.99, 13%. This is a classic southern French blend of grenache blanc, roussanne, and marsanne, but from South Africa.
Marks & Spencer Stellenrust
Chardonnay 2022
£8 (by the case; on offer), 13%. This is a truly elegant and creamy chardonnay, and it’s Fairtrade too.
Piccini Bianco Toscana 2022 £8 Asda, 12.5%. This smooth-textured Italian blend of chardonnay, trebbiano, and sauvignon blanc is a great choice for salmon or other barbecued fish.
El Jardin de Ana Godello £10 Tesco, 12.5%. This rich white wine from northern Spain has a chardonnay-like quality and comes in a lovely, summery bottle.
Château Saint-Cyrgues Salamandre Orange 2021/22 £12.83 Les Caves de Pyrène, £13.95 Seven Cellars, £15 Natty Boy Wines and Forest Wines, 12%. This is a bold, rich orange/skin-contact wine with delightful flavors of cooked apple, tangerine, and dried peach.
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