Best BBQ Wine Picks for under $20

Chicago, Featured, Wine — By Staff on September 1, 2009 at 4:26 pm

Photo by: Kim Bohstedt

Toast to the Red, White…Pink and Bubbly this Labor Day

Labor Day is a weekend to kick back and relax and enjoy one of the last celebrations of summer. Whether its steaks, burgers or brats, we all have our favorite BBQ fare to celebrate the long weekend, but some party-throwers get stuck when it comes to what to serve with all the BBQ favorites.

Efrain Madrigal, Wine Director of Sam’s Wines and Spirits, explains, “Many people serve what they know and are comfortable with– which is usually just beer. But barbeques can be the perfect opportunity to try some new wines as well that pair perfectly with our grilled favorites.” Here are Efrain’s picks for the upcoming holiday weekend for under $20.

White: Ferraton Cotes du Rhone Blanc ‘Samorens’ Blanc 2007 ($11.99) If there was a BBQ capital on Europe, France’s Provence might just be it. It’s from this beautiful, Mediterranean region that this gorgeous white hails from, and it is a great partner to a multitude of grilled dishes. Try this luscious, fruit-driven white with spicy chicken sausages, cedar-planked salmon or vegetable kabobs.

Rosé: Charles Smith Charles and Charles Rose 2008 ($11.99) Rosés are practically made for the barbeque season, and this version from Washington is one of the best. A perfect summertime companion, this wine has an unreal depth and richness of fruit with a big dry finish. This would be great with “Beer Can Chicken” or other grilled chicken dishes.

Red: Arbor Highlands Zinfandel Lodi 2006 ($15.99) Red Zin is the quintessential BBQ wine. This one is a beauty, dark, intense fruit flavors, with a fat, long finish. This dynamic red would be great with burgers, steaks or spit-roasted pork.

Sparkling: Riondo “Sheraz” Sparkling Red ($11.99) Sparkling wines are not only made white or pink, but increasingly sparkling reds are hitting the market. One of my favorites is from Italy, and it is a natural with barbequed beef brisket or pork. It’s rich enough for the smoky meat, and zesty enough to handle any kind of barbeque sauce- from sweet Kansas Cityto vinegar-based Carolina.

Sam’s Wines and Spirits: Founded in 1946, Sam’s Wines and Spirits has grown to be the nation’s leading independent wine and spirits retailer. The company’s success is due to its focus on customer service, selection, price, and knowledgeable staff. The company has been honored by both Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator magazines as Retailer of the Year and has also earned Forbes’ Best of the Web award. Sam’s Wines and Spirits has three Chicago-area locations in Lincoln Park, Downers Grove and Highland Park. Sam’s Wines and Spirits, Wine Director, Efrain Madrigal, has exceptional knowledge of wine and spirits and is bilingual in both Spanish and English. To learn more about what Sam’s Wines and Spirits has to offer visit www.samswine.com.

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