Firstly, in our house, with Lucas’ South African roots, we have to call it a Braai – the girls, use it interchangeably with BBQ but we do love the name “braai”! 😄 and there are few things better than a braai or barbecue in the sunshine with a delicious glass of wine. 🥂
Anyway…. with summer trying to make a break through, we thought we would share some ideas of what wines pair well with various foods you might enjoy on your BBQ. Although beer often takes the spotlight around the braai, there are few beers that can bring out the bold flavors of barbecue better than a perfectly paired wine.
Keeping it simple to start with, here are some pairings for the good old classic, English favourites to put on our BBQ’s – these could change if you decided to use a marinade or a sauce but to kick off, how about trying:
Steak – Malbec, Syrah/Shiraz
Burgers – Grenache blends (like Côtes du Rhône), Cabernet Sauvignon
Sausages – Sauvignon Blanc, Tempranillo, Gamay, Pinot Noir
BBQ chicken – Chardonnay
Pork chops – Valpolicella, Barbera, Riesling, dry rosé
Salmon – Rosé Sparkling Wine, Pinot Gris, Chilled Pinot Noir
Sardines – Albariño, Picpoul de Pinet
Halloumi – Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Riesling
Veggie Skewers – Chenin Blanc (fresher styles), dry rosé, Gamay, Gewürztraminer
If you’re going big on the spice, then you could lean towards fruitier reds or whites with a touch of sweetness, such as off-dry Riesling, for example. Pinot Gris from Alsace might work better if your salmon has Southeast Asia-inspired flavours. And Sausages with lots of herbs, such as fennel or sage, can go well with a juicy red.
If you are planning a get together with friends and don’t want to cover off all those wine varieties (that would be alot of wine!), then there are some great all-rounder wines that tick many of the boxes needed for a great barbecue – Malbec, Pinot Noir (chilled, yum!), Dry Rosé, Riesling and not to forget, a perfect bottle of Prosecco or other traditional method sparkling wines – we love MCC from South Africa!
For recipes ideas, you can’t beat the staples including chicken, burgers, sausages & halloumi. Or recipes we have enjoyed, include a Paella on the braai, Greek chicken kebab (oh this is soooo good!) or of course, a Chicken Potjie!
Whatever you choose, enjoy your summer and socialising around a BBQ with friends and family! We would love to see your pictures of any of wines with you meals and get togethers – tag us on Facebook, Instagram or email them to us! Have a great summer!
