BBQ wines

It was the raised eyebrows, the Gallic curl of the upper lip .... 'You want sparkling wines to go with BBQ?', Philippe Messy of PM Wines, regarded me with an air of incredulity.

For him, wine is about people – those who make it, and those who enjoy drinking it; despite his views of our strange habits. He expertly guides customers to a broader range of wine experiences; visit with a budget in mind, be prepared to double it, and leave happy and enlightened. I did.

I confess I'm not much one for BBQs myself; meat burnt on the outside and raw within. It's not my style.

However, let's face it, the first sign of fine weather and out they come, any excuse for a party, and a rare opportunity to eat outside. We Brits, mimicking American and Aussie laid back cultures, can't wait to show off our culinary skills; with a beer in one hand, something to prod the meat with in the other, and sporting the obligatory silly apron.

With budgets being tight, informal get-togethers have become 'de rigeur' for many of us with something to celebrate. All the reason to bring out the bubbly then, adding a touch of class to the casual proceedings. 

 

These will provide a fresh contrast to feisty ribs, and a perfect foil for spicy chicken.

Top recommendation this month, and keeping our hard earned money closer to home, is Nyetimber Classic Cuvee – 12% abv - £32.75. For over 20 years Nyetimber has been making English sparkling wine to rival Champagne. Produced from classic champagne grapes, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, the tiny delicate bubbles of this Classic Cuvee are suspended in a pale golden hue, filling the nose with the biscuity aroma of a fresh lemon tart straight from the oven. The palate has a rounded feel in the mouth, and the citrus character gives a prolonged fruity finish. Each bottle is made from 100% estate grown grapes, all hand picked, with the traditional second fermentation in the bottle, hence the high price tag, and well worth it. 

 

Next up is Frassinelli Extra Dry Prosecco – 11% abv - £13.25 from the Veneto region of Italy. The conditions of production have been granted DOCG status, to protect its name, and only Glera grapes are permitted to be used. With a pronounced pear character, the wine is fresh tasting, with a touch of extra sweetness to balance the acidity, making it food-friendly. The perfect contrast to offset the smoky, char-grilled flavours of BBQd food; try it with grilled pears too. 

Finally, for a rose tinted view of life as you try to avoid standing upwind of the BBQ smoke, try Bouvet Rose Excellence - 12.5% abv - £13.50. Produced in the Loire region of France, it has a brilliant, delicate salmon-pink colour and fine, pinpoint bubbles with a fresh, raspberry and blackcurrant fragrance. On the palate it is very dry and crisp, with luscious red fruit flavours offset by subdued earthy notes and a lovely clean, persistent finish.

Linda Piggott-Vijeh of Service Matters has been advising the hospitality industry on food and wine for almost three decades and, in addition to conducting regular tastings, she has a 100% pass rate for her WSET exam courses.