Well, Summer is well and truly here and there is only one thing for it – more wine! Here in Brisbane, it is so hot through January and February that you really have to be choosy about your chosen refreshments. There are also so many more opportunities for enjoying good wine, with friends and family celebrating the end of the year and start of the next one. It can be hard to pair wine with such warm occasions, so I thought I’d help with some inspiration. So here are my top 5 wine pairings for Summer!
BBQ and Shiraz
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There isn’t anything I can think of that’s more quintessentially Summer than a BBQ. Backyard, beach, balcony. No matter what, it is something most of us will do at least once over the Summer period. I love having BBQs with friends because it’s such an easy way to feed a big group of people! But with big bold flavours of grilled meats and veggies, what wine works best?
Well, it probably won’t come as a surprise that the best pairing for BBQ is Shiraz. Our Australian Shiraz is perfect for those big BBQ flavours. The pepper and jamminess of the wines pair perfectly with the meat. Even with the weather a little hotter, Shiraz is still my favourite go-to. The best part about it is that there are so many wine regions that do Shiraz well, and so many different wines available at different price points. So there’s something for everyone.
Can’t think of anything worse than red wine in Summer? Try opting for a gutsy Rosé made from Sangiovese or Tempranillo.
Celebrations and Sparkling wine
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There are so many celebrations in Summer, whether it’s Christmas, New Years Eve or just catching up with friends and family. And it will be no surprise that Sparkling Wine is my pick for as a wine pairing for Summer. Sparkling Wine just screams celebrations and has the bonus of being super refreshing on a hot day.
There is so much range when it comes to Sparkling Wine that you can choose something that suits your taste and budget. Looking for something fancy? Try a Champagne or premium Australian Sparkling Wine. Something affordable and refreshing? Opt for a Prosecco. You can also try Cava from Spain, or simple Australian Sparkling Wine.
Long lunches and Rosé
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One of my favourite things to do in Summer is have a long lunch with friends (actually I always like this but in Summer it feels more perfect). I love settling in for a big meal over a few hours and going on into the afternoon. To me, this is the best way to catch up with people. But what to pair with long lunches? Red wine feels too heavy, and white wine can be a little polarizing.
So it will come as no surprise that for long lunches my wine pairing for Summer is Rosé. It is the perfect in-between wine that is super refreshing and a real people pleaser. I haven’t met too many people that aren’t a fan. I love how refreshing it is to sip on over a few hours, and how easily it pairs with lunch foods.
My pick? Something light and easy-drinking such as a Provence style wine is the perfect match!
Light dinners and Pinot Gris/Grigio
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Summer is the perfect time for a light meal. The days are longer and hotter, and so often a light meal is the way to go (particularly after a long lunch). But what to pair with something light?
For me, Pinot Grigio or Gris is my go-to wine pairing for Summer. It is light and refreshing, and great all-round food wine. I find these sorts of wines go with so many dishes, but perfectly with light ones too such as grilled chicken and salad. The wines themselves are usually nice and zippy too, making them a great way to cool down after a warm day.
Aperitivo and Spritz
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My final wine pairing for Summer is a clear contender because I don’t know what is more Summery than Aperol Spritz. These cocktails immediately make me think of being in Italy over Summer, and anything that can transport us overseas right now is good in my book! Aperol Spritz is the perfect drink for Summer with its refreshing flavours and bright orange colour. It’s also very easy to whip up – unlike some other cocktails!
So what is the best pairing? Well, I would do as the Italians do and have some Aperitivo. Aperol Spritz is a great way to enjoy a warm afternoon, so popping out some cheese and meats along with it is the perfect pairing! We all eat way to much over the Christmas break, but why fight it? There is always room for snacks, and this paired with a refreshing Aperol Spritz in hand is the perfect combination.
In summary: 5 wine pairings for Summer
I hope you’ve enjoyed these 5 wine pairings for Summer, and that they inspire you for your next get together. Summer is the perfect time for celebrations with friends and family, and with a good wine in hand, they are made even better! Whether you’re having a simple BBQ, going for a long lunch or just looking for a wine to enjoy with a light dinner, there is something for every occasion!
What’s your favourite Summer wine?