Summer is quickly approaching, bringing with it the season of barbecues. These outdoor gatherings are perfect for relaxing with friends and family. But just because the atmosphere is casual doesn’t mean you should neglect your wine choices!

Choosing the perfect wine can truly elevate your grilled dishes. Rhône Valley wines, like ours, are especially suited for these summery flavors. Discover how to pair them perfectly with your barbecue favorites!

To start off light: A 2023 Côtes du Rhône white or rosé wine

To kick off your barbecue on a high note, I recommend the 2023 Côtes du Rhône rosé. With its pink hue and red fruits and citrus aromas, this wine is perfect for appetizers. Light and refreshing, it pairs wonderfully with salads, grilled vegetables, and marinated seafood.

The white Côtes du Rhône is another excellent option. Its white fruit and citrus notes blend seamlessly with grilled fish, shrimp skewers, or fresh cheeses. This balanced and elegant wine will bring a refreshing touch to the beginning of your meal.

For classic grilled dishes, embrace a Côtes-du-Rhône Vieilles Vignes or a Ventoux wine.

For classic grilled fare like sausages, chicken skewers, or lamb chops, I recommend our Côtes-du-Rhône Vieilles Vignes. This organic wine, rich with aromas of ripe red fruits and spices, offers a smooth, full-bodied taste that enhances the smoky flavors of grilled meats. It’s a true celebration of conviviality and gastronomy.

The Ventoux, crafted at the base of the famous Provence giant, will also delight your guests. Its notes of crisp red fruits and vibrant acidity pair beautifully with white meats and grilled vegetables. This balanced and fresh wine creates the perfect harmony between barbecue flavors and the refreshing qualities of Rhône Valley wines.

The ultimate barbecue pairing: Ribeye and Gigondas

The ribeye steak, the star of any barbecue, deserves a wine that matches its grandeur. A Gigondas is perfect for this, with its complex aromas of dark fruits, licorice, and spices. This powerful, well-structured wine, with its pronounced tannins, creates a perfect balance with the richness and tenderness of the meat.

With a delightful duck breast: Beaumes-de-Venise (BDV)

A tender and flavorful duck breast deserves a wine that enhances it without overshadowing it, and a Beaumes-de-Venise (BDV) is the perfect match. Its aromas of candied red fruits, forest floor, and sweet spices provide an aromatic depth that beautifully complements the richness of the duck breast.

With veggie delights: a Côtes-du-Rhône 100% and Lirac

The Côtes-du-Rhône 100% is the perfect match for vegetarian options like grilled vegetables or veggie burgers. This wine, sourced from select parcels in the Rhône Valley, boasts a rich and varied aromatic palette. With notes of red fruits, spices, and garrigue, it enhances the flavors of vegetables, adding unexpected depth and complexity. Its soft tannins and black cherry and thyme aromas make it an outstanding choice for vegetarian dishes.

The Lirac, crafted from Grenache and Syrah grapes, offers a more structured profile. Its dark fruit, licorice, and black pepper notes bring an intensity that pairs beautifully with spicy dishes or marinated vegetables. Aged in concrete vats and unheated barrels, this wine exudes elegance and finesse, making it ideal for vegetarian meals.

With these recommendations, I hope to inspire you to elevate your barbecues with our curated selection of Xavier Vignon wines. Whether you’re grilling meats, preparing vegetarian dishes, or serving seafood, indulge in the authentic flavors and craftsmanship of the Rhône Valley.

Cheers to a delightful dining experience!