June plus Euro 2016 should equal the good folk of Chorleywood getting together with friends and family to enjoy casual barbecues.
We’ve had a look at different wines to help the party flow, in addition to water, soft drinks and traditional ice cold beers
We’ve touched on food and wine-matching before and whilst this columnist’s view is that there are no rules, I have been asked to clarify that in the light of it going slightly against the grain.
Traditional guidelines are not wrong. In general, whites are better with fish and strapping reds are a better match for beef, but if you prefer the opposite, go with what you like.
Barbecues shouldn’t complicate food and wine choices, the definition of barbecues suggests a casual gathering to enjoy food cooked outside over an open fire. No mention of dinner jackets or pass the port please.
The very method of cooking can add another dimension of flavour and taste to the fish, meat or vegetables, that of both charring from the grill and or, the use of marinades or rubs.
Certain recipes might call for bigger, bolder wines, white or red for the barbecue to counteract the amplified flavours.
Another thought. If (with luck) it’s warm outside, lightly chill the reds as well as the whites and roses. Red wine heated up by the sun can feel it needs milk and two sugars, not an appealing proposition, however groundbreaking.
WHITES
Daniels Drift Chenin Blanc Chardonnay Western Cape SA 2015 13% £7 M&S
Fragrant honeysuckle and melon aroma, simple easy drinking white for the salad.
Paso de Ulloa Ribeiro Spain 2015, 11.5%, £7.99, Majestic
Dedicate perfumed white with lovely balance. Think dishes with coriander and lemongrass.
Domaine Begude Terroir 11300 Chardonnay 2014, 13%, £7.99 (8 – 28 June), Waitrose
Subtle bouquet, beautiful poise between fruit and mineral. To go with plain barbecued, premium monkfish or Dover sole. * WB favourite white
ROSE
Provence Rose 2015, 12.5%, £8.99 Waitrose
Pretty pink with a hint of orange, abundant fruit. One for Summer sipping.
Les Esquerades Lirac Rose 2015, 13%, £10 M&S
Ripe strawberry on the nose with lovely balancing acidity. Why not try it with summer fruits for dessert.
A Casetta Corsica Rose 2015,11.5%, £9.99 Majestic
Pale, pale pink. Delicate aroma, deliciously light and well-made. Just enjoy the 11.5% pink as a refreshing aperitif. * WB favourite rose.
RED
La Croix de Chaintres Saumur Champigny 2014, 12.5%, £9.49, (8 – 28 June) Waitrose
Graphite and cedar Cabernet Franc aroma, light and with good acidity. Slight astringency would be a good foil for fatty, charry seared meats.
Pheasant Gully Shiraz Cabernet Australia 2015, 13.5%, £8.50, M&S
Aromatic and fruity nose, soft, juicy mid palate with a dash of pepper. Its spicy simple style would be great match for simple food, bangers or burgers.
Domaine de L’Aigle Pinot Noir Gerard Bertrand 2012, 13%, £12.99, Majestic
Mellow, developed aromas of strawberries and forest floor. Lovely texture with fine, grainy tannins. One for simply grilled meats without marinades or rubs. * WB favourite red