Summer barbecues offer an excellent opportunity to explore lesser-known wines that can complement the flavors of grilled foods and provide a unique and enjoyable experience for your guests. Here are some lesser-known wines that would make excellent choices for a summer barbecue:
Grüner Veltliner: This white wine hails from Austria and offers a refreshing and zesty character with notes of citrus, green apple, and white pepper. It's a versatile wine that pairs well with a wide range of grilled vegetables, seafood, and lighter meats like chicken or turkey.
Rosé from Provence: While Rosé has gained popularity in recent years, Rosé wines from Provence, France, are particularly delightful for summer barbecues. They are typically dry, crisp, and bursting with flavors of red berries and citrus. Their light and fruity nature make them a perfect match for grilled fish, shrimp, and salads.
Lambrusco: This sparkling red wine from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy is a fun and lively choice for a barbecue. It's slightly sweet, low in alcohol, and often has a touch of effervescence. Lambrusco pairs well with grilled sausages, burgers, and pizzas.
Txakoli (or Txakolina): Hailing from the Basque Country in Spain, Txakoli is a refreshing, slightly fizzy white wine with crisp acidity. It's an ideal match for seafood dishes, grilled sardines, or even as a refreshing apéritif to cool down on a hot summer day.
Blaufränkisch: This lesser-known red wine from Austria offers a unique combination of dark fruit flavors, spice, and vibrant acidity. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, especially sausages, pork, and lamb.
Vermentino: A white wine from Italy (especially Sardinia and Liguria), Vermentino is light, aromatic, and often has notes of citrus and tropical fruits. It's a great choice for grilled shrimp, scallops, or lighter grilled chicken dishes.
Mencia: This red wine from the northwestern region of Spain, particularly from Bierzo or Valdeorras, is gaining popularity for its bright fruit flavors and moderate tannins. Mencia pairs well with grilled pork chops, ribs, or even barbecued vegetables.
Assyrtiko: A Greek white wine, Assyrtiko, is known for its crisp acidity and mineral notes. It's an excellent match for grilled seafood, especially if you're serving dishes with lemon and herbs.
Remember that wine preferences are subjective, so don't hesitate to experiment with different wines and see what you and your guests enjoy most. Offering a selection of these lesser-known wines will not only elevate your barbecue experience but also introduce your guests to some hidden gems from around the world. Cheers!