by Nick Heitman, Category Manager: Meat, Seafood, Beer, Wine & Spirits
The summer weather has most certainly arrived, and every weekend in my neighborhood, the smell of barbecues being fired up mixes with the smell of fresh cut grass. This sparks a lot of nostalgia for me, as I grew up in a family that spent most summer evenings running around playing baseball in the backyard, and dinner time usually meant a barbecue of some sort prepared on an old trusty Weber kettle grill. While the beverage pairing for myself and my sisters consisted of lemonade or water from the garden hose, the adults usually went for a summer wine or beer that paired a bit better with the smoky flavors of the grilled meat and vegetables and fresh fruit.
At the Co-op, we’ve got a great selection of beverages suitable for barbecues of all types, whether it be a great crisp pilsner beer, or a sauvignon blanc or pinot noir. I am the first to admit that selecting a bottle of wine for any event can be daunting, so I’ve consulted with one of our great wine salespeople to give some of his recommendations on a bottle that will go over well for your next backyard barbecue.
Braai Cabernet Sauvignon $13.99
I had never heard about the tradition of a braai, which is the South African version of a backyard barbecue. “Braai” is an Afrikaans word meaning “to roast,” and the barbecue is always done over an open flame of either hardwood or charcoal. Any and all types of meat are marinated and grilled, and is accompanied by a wide variety of side dishes and braai bread. The braai bread, or “braaibroodjie,” is basically a sandwich made of white bread, cheese, chutney, and tomato and toasted over the open flame.
This South African Cabernet is meant to honor this tradition, but can be paired with almost any rich, fatty barbecued meat. Try it out with a ribeye or New York strip, or grilled flanken-style short ribs. Like most cabs, it would benefit from some time to open up, but has all the hallmark flavors such as blackberry, tobacco, and vanilla. You can find this bottle at Willy North or Willy West!
Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc $12.99
Sauvignon blancs are generally suited well for warm weather and served with lighter food, and this organic wine from Chile is a great example of that. Some sauvignon blancs can be a bit minerally, but this one is more fruit-forward, light, and crisp. For this reason, this wine would pair well with lightly grilled chicken or fish, cucumber salad, or any of the great seasonal vegetables served at a barbecue like asparagus. It also goes well with a creamy goat cheese. Find this bottle at all three Co-op locations!
Mont Gravet Rosé $9.99
Each Co-op location has a great selection of rosés for the summer season, so selecting just one proved to be a bit difficult. The Mont Gravet is a French rosé that has a great price point, and is slightly more acidic, allowing it to stand up to most foods served at your next barbecue or picnic. Try this wine with something with lots of flavor, like blackened chicken or fish, or grilled meats or vegetables with chimichurri. I think it would also be a perfect pairing with a classic burger. This wine can be found at all three Co-op locations!