Which wines to pair with your outdoor cooking and entertaining

By Cameron Douglas

Which wines to pair with your outdoor cooking and entertaining
MiNDFOOD Master Sommelier Cameron Douglas shares the perfect tipples to complement your outdoor cooking endeavours.

If you’re like me and have been enjoying outdoor cooking over summer, then it might be handy to know what wines are suited to this type of cooking.

It’s rather easy to char, burn or cook the first round of food coming off a barbecue, but there are a few wines well suited to these cremations.

Cajun Chicken Drumsticks | MiNDFOOD Recipes & Tips
Cajun Chicken Drumsticks

For chicken drumsticks, a great option is oaked sauvignon blanc or pinot noir gris as a white wine option for reds, I suggest a lower-oak option such as a new-release pinot noir, or ideally a gamay noir.

For a medium-rare marinated steak off the barbecue, a 2019 merlot from Hawke’s Bay should be just right.

For more medium-cooked meats such as T-bone, young New Zealand syrah is a good option being more fruit-centric with the oak soaking up the charred edges of the meat.

Salmon with Lemon and Ginger Rub, Fennel Salad and Dill Sauce
Salmon with Lemon and Ginger Rub, Fennel Salad and Dill Sauce

Salmon is always good off the hotplate but needs a bold and richer style of wine – two great options are young gewürztraminer or full-bodied oaky, nutty, toasty, buttery chardonnay.

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