I may be just over a year away from turning 40, but there are still times when Im tackling a grammar issue or working out a math equation and I hear echoes of my high school teachers wisdom or rules that are appropriate to whatever task is at hand.
The same goes for my wine education via the Wine and Spirit Education Trust, which I plugged away at in the late 90s under two of the best wine instructors Vancouver has ever known. One of them, Mark Davidson, now leads global education and marketing for Wine Australia, while his teaching partner at the time, Park Heffelfinger, is now co-owner and co-founder of Memphis Blues Barbeque House, plus an all-around barbeque expert.
Not only do their many words of wisdom still come to mind when Im trying to recall, say, Burgundian appellation specifics, but Park in particular seems to keep his eye on me to this day, never afraid to throw a funny email my way after reading my column just to ensure hes keeping me in check. Whether calling me out for referring to a $50 wine as affordable, or filing a grievance over a wine and food pairing discrepancy, its always in fun and jovial which is a pretty appropriate description of the guy himself.
Consequently, hes often top of mind for me, too, and as I was looking to recommend some perfect barbecue wines for your summer, I thought there was no one better to pass along some great leads. So whether youre grabbing a bite from your local Memphis Blues location (where you can try most of these by the glass), or firing up the grill at home, heres what you should be washing it down with, from the guy who knows best.
Selbach 2011 Fish Label Riesling | Mosel, Germany | $16.95 | BC Liquor Stores
Park calls this crowd-pleasing favourite, Hands down, the number one wine for barbeque. Affordable, juicy lime and peach fruit, and a great summer sipper that goes with all grilled seafood, from spot prawns to salmon.
Legado Munoz 2011 Garnacha | La Mancha, Spain | $13-15 | Private Wine Stores
Soft and juicy, this one has some nice earthiness, a slight floral character and enough bright fruit that Park sees it going perfectly with good, sticky ribs.
Yering Station Little Yering 2010 Pinot Noir | Yarra Valley, Australia | $15.95 | BC Liquor Stores
Park likes that theres lots of sweet Pinot cherry fruit in here, and I like that its probably the best-value Pinot Noir in our market today. Bright and buoyant, serve it with a hint of a chill itll make it all the more lively.
Chateau de Paraza Minervois | Languedoc, France | $18-20 | Private Wine Stores
This blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre leaps out of the glass with red licorice and spice, and finishes with some nice peppery dark fruit. Great for those looking for a little more complexity in their glass.
