BBQ Time?
… charcoal needed …
The Taino people - indigenous peoples of the Caribbean, inhabiting islands like Hispaniola and Puerto Rico - had a wooden scaffold or grill for smoking meat called a barbacoa or barabicu.
It was Gonzalo Fernández de Oviedo y Valdés (1478–1557) - a Spanish historian, chronicler of the Indies, and early naturalist - who first referred to a barbacoa in 1526. His writings helped transmit the term “barbacoa” into Spanish and in 1648 the word entered English as barbacado and eventually became barbecue by 1661. Today, the word appears as “barbecue,” “barbeque,” or the abbreviated “BBQ”.
Arguably, barbecue is much more than a method of cooking: it is often a social ritual tied to identity, community gatherings, and tradition. In Argentina, the Asado is central to national identity, featuring grilled meats over open fire; in Brazil, Churrasco involves skewered meats cooked over flame, often in communal settings; in South Africa, the braai is both a cooking method and a key social tradition; in Jamaica, jerk cooking combines Indigenous Taíno techniques with African influences; to name but a few.
Wine is most definitely needed at these gatherings, and below are three reds that I came across recently. More updates on this subject as the summer unfolds - albeit still a bit chilly at the moment, but time to get the bottles in for those long lunches and suppers ahead.
1 - Château Maris, Les Planels, Minervois, La Livinière 2022, Languedoc-Roussillon, France.
A rather classic Southern France blend of predominantly Syrah with Grenache making up around 15% of the final brew. The terraces where the “Les Planels” Syrah grows have been there for 35 years. Aged in French oak barrels for 12 months - one-third being new - there is a rich concentration of black fruits - cherries and cassis - on the nose and palate. The new oak adds a light touch of vanilla and there is a definite plum flavour at the end of the palate and just a sprinkling of chocolate. Noted for its exceptional value for money over a number of recent vintages.
£19.50 - Waitrose - merchant link
2 - Boekenhoutskloof Syrah 2021, Swartland, South Africa.
This winery is one of the real stars in South Africa, making a great name across all the different wines it produces. Does this 2021 need another year before the cork is pulled? Perhaps, but it is drinking exceptionally well today, and if you decanted it an hour before it is needed then that slight element of oxygen would lift it . Is this the best South African Syrah? Certainly, one of the top five. Is it the best value South African Syrah? Unquestionably with the 20% discount currently available at Waitrose..
There is a richness on the nose with bundles of earthy and red-fruit flavours, just a hint of mushrooms or forest floor discernible as you swirl the glass. Darker berries on the palate - blackberries - and tannins working well with oaky components. At the very end there is a reminder of an earthy, almost savoury finish that is very attractive, and would work to perfection with succulent joints from the barbecue. Full-bodied, opulent and slips down with immense ease. You might leave it for a few more years, as it certainly has a long way to go
Available from many wineries. Priced at Waitrose with a discount until 28-Apr-26. Berrys have it in bond alongside older vintages. If you like what you find, then buying some of the older brews would be a very good addition to your cellar. The pricing of the 2018 comes in Duty Paid, inc VAT, at just under £40.
£38.50 - Waitrose - merchant link
3 - Domaine du Clos des Fées ‘Le Clos des Fées’ Rouge 2016, Côtes du Roussillon Villages, France.
Sixty notes for a Cotes du Roussillon might seem a bit toppy, even if it is ten years old. It’s not, I can assure you. It’s simply stunning. Mates coming over for lunches or dinners this summer will be exposed to this utterly radiant, imposing, and superbly crafted wine that has been created.
The grapes from very old Carignan and Grenache vines are blended with younger Syrah and Mourvèdre - all with equal proportions - then aged for eighteen months in new oak. The appellation is located in an amphitheater-shaped region around Perpignan, bordered by the Pyrenees to the west, the Corbières to the north.
Alongside the black fruits on the nose - blackcurrants and black cherries - are subtle tones of vanilla from the new oak. Perfectly orchestrated ripeness on the palate that has layers of silky complexity, with depth, character, elegance and longevity. There is concentration that evolves as the wine opens in the glass, with an almost broody tone, that is simply adorable. I’m not sure I’ve tasted a wine of this richness at this price point for many, many years. Buy a couple of bottles, taste, be amazed, and then order a couple of cases for when only the finest cuts are being added to the barbecue this summer. You might like to keep it to one side for the roast beef this autumn as well.
£60 - Yapp - merchant link
