It’s barbecue season. That means red wine is stepping up to the plate ready to pair with your favorite summer eats (and meats). Whether you’re celebrating dads or grads, here are three big summer red wines for your backyard BBQ.
Whiskers California Red Blend
Whiskers is one of our favorite red wines for backyard BBQ season. It’s layered and supple with complex flavors and the feel and structure of a premium red. The 45% 17 Lodi Merlot portion delivers an amazing price/value ratio in a serious yet vibrant and accessible structural component. This Lodi Merlot component lays a foundation that lets remainder of the blend sing, while bringing lively herbaceous plum, cherry and black tea to the party. The label is a lot of fun, too—and perfect for a barbecue gift set!
Pair Whiskers with saucy barbecue ribs, like this recipe from Café Delites that features a sticky barbecue sauce with garlic and Worcestershire sauce—extra kick of cayenne optional!
2017 Rayado, Central Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile
A good Cabernet Sauvignon is always welcome at the table and pairs especially well with most cuts of meat, especially fattier cuts. Our 2017 Rayado from the “Cabernet capital” of Central Valley, Chile, earned a Silver rating by the World Wine Championships, which makes it a reliable red to sip or send. Judges described Rayado as having “smoky aromas and flavors of stewed cherry and plums, grilled meats, cola, and dark rye bread with a chewy, vibrant, dryish medium-to-full body and a sleek, brisk finish manifesting shades of charred nuts and grilled pepper and onions with dusty tannins and moderate oak flavor.” Rayado also benefits the Living Beyond Breast Cancer organization, so when you reach for Rayado, you’re also lending a hand to those battling breast cancer.
Pair Rayado with this recipe for Beef Kabobs from House of Nash Eats, which features great summer veggies and steak marinated in garlic, Dijon mustard, basil, lemon and parsley. Easy dinner on the grill and an easy drinking red for a perfect evening on the patio.
Discover new recipes to pair with your Traveling Vineyard wine with our Sommology tool!
2017 Tria, California Syrah
Tria is one of our premium red labels, yet still very affordable at $24.99. Crafted from grapes grown in California’s Paso Robles and Lodi, Tria blends Syrah, Shiraz and Petite Sirah for a medium-body red with good structure and weight. It delivers a sleek acidity and is dominated by earthy, toasty, complex blackberry/blueberry aromas and flavors. A perfect pairing for ribeye! Tria is also another highly-rated Silver medal wine.
Pair this California Syrah with steak! We love this NOLA inspired recipe for Bourbon Street Rib Eye Steak from All Recipes. Cheat on your wine with a bit of whiskey, add some brown sugar and soy sauce, and you’ve got a steak that will soar.
Cheers to grilling and chilling this summer with these fabulous red wines for backyard BBQ season! Want us to take care of the wine? Host a backyard tasting with your local Wine Guide, and we’ll bring five free bottles for you and your Guests.