Food & Drink RAISE A GLASS
I’m stunned that June is creeping up on us. Where does time go?
I haven’t put out my bedding plants and yet hello! June and the cricklecrackle of charcoaling chipolatas beckon.
For National Barbecue Week (May 29 to June 4) I’m bringing you some pocket-friendly vinos.
Two whites for chicken: I marinate chicken thighs overnight in any kind of spice before dropping them with a sizzle onto a barbie. As they crunch up, I squeeze over lime juice.
I love this wine:
Domaine Paul Mas ‘Côté Mas’ 2021
(£8.99, or £7.99 in a buy six deal at Majestic, pictured left) is really peachy, with melon and a tickle of spice. It gives barbie chicken a welcoming hug.
A glass of sparkles may float your boat. Specially Selected Sparkling Ribolla Gialla (£6.99) is new in Aldi and is similar to prosecco with pear and floral notes. It’s different, but not too different.
Two pinks for prawns: I’ve dabbled with prawn skewers but I turn my head and they burn. I prefer to dapple a pocket of foil with prawns, chilli, garlic, butter and a squeeze of lemon.
Co-op Irresistible Solo Rosé (£7.50, pictured right) is 100% garnacha from Spain. It has a lovely noselift of citrus, stone fruit and strawberry.
Another pretty pink is South African Bees Knees Rosé 2022 which drops to £7.99 if in a case of 12 at Laithwaites (or £11.99 a bottle). It is also garnacha and sings with a zest of lemon and red fruits.
Two reds for burgers: I like to make my own burgers (beef or lamb mince), with breadcrumbs, fresh herbs (lots) and an egg to hold everything together. It’s cheaper (and tastier) than the bought variety.
My favourite red wine style has a red fruit crunch, perfect for warm days, and a fleck of spice to max out the burnt edges of my burgers. Errazuriz Estate Pinot Noir is 25% off until June 6 at Waitrose, down to £6.99 from £9.49.
Kleine Zalze Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 (£7.99, Tesco, pictured left) is juicy, ripe, speckled with spice and eminently moreish. These two grapes do a tasty tango, tingling your palate with black and red fruits and just a lick of oaky flavour.
Happy sizzling! ■ Go to nationalbbqweek.co.uk for more inspiration. ■ Jane is a member of the Circle of Wine Writers. Find her on social media and online as One Foot in the Grapes.