Well it’s Met Éireann 1; Kiwi Long Range Forecast Guy 0. Anyone who checked out last week’s weather link will recall that the guy in New Zealand who has been reasonably accurate on our weather for the last few summer has bombed out so far this year, predicting lovely weather in May and a wet June.
So, before the summer legs it back to Southern Europe, here are a few tips on choosing BBQ wines. And if you want and further advice, or great deals on some of our new French wines, drop into Cases and just ask! Our new opening hours are detailed below as well. Finally, if you fancy a top-of-the-range BBQ experience while supporting a great cause, watch out for our Independence Weekend BBQ on Friday 1st July. Details below as well. Have a great weekend!
Peter
Here are a few tips on choosing the wines to go with the burgers, steaks, chicken, sausages, fish etc:
- Strong BBQ flavours need strong, flavoursome red wines to match them. If you’re basting on the sauces and spices, thing big, full-bodied fruity Shiraz, new world Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Argentinian Malbec. For something different, try out Zinfandel from the US, Pinotage from South Africa or Carmenère from Chile.
- White wine can take a bit of a battering from strong BBQ flavours. That lovely delicate, summery Pinot Grigio can reduce to water when mixed with chicken with a spicy sauce and charcoal flavours. But do not despair. Plenty of whites will keep up with chicken or pork dishes and salads on the deck. The ones best able to carry it off include oaked Chardonnay, some of the lovely unoaked Chardonnays coming from the New World, Viognier or Chenin Blanc.
- Having said all of the above, don’t get too hung up on BBQ food/wine matches. Typically the food takes up only a small segment of the BBQ day and what will work on its own over the rest of a pleasant afternoon is just as important.
- Do keep an eye out for the alcohol levels. A blockbuster 15% wine may well be super when you’re having a glass or two in the evening, but if you’re serving it over the course of an afternoon, you may find the guests nodding off before the food is served….
- We’ve also got a good-quality non-alcoholic wine that doesn’t taste of turpentine. Natureo from Migeul Torres has only 0.5% alcohol and according to Decanter Magazine, it ‘keeps the floral, honey nose and dry palate of citrussy white fruits, while leaving the alcohol behind. Brilliant..’ Ideal for the guests who want to enjoy a grown up drink without the alcohol. €7.95 per bottle.
- Call into us at Cases. We’ve highlighted our top 40 BBQ wines around the warehouse and are happy to advise as always on what might or might not work.
- And finally, we’ve got a lovely range of chutneys, relishes and dressings from Ard Bia in Galway and Builin Blasta in Spiddal to go with the food.
- Oh, and don’t forget the sunblock.
Our new opening hours are as follows:
Monday to Saturday: 10am to 7pm
Sundays and Bank Holidays: Closed
These new hours reflect the fact that while sales at Cases continue to grow (thank YOU!), as a nation we no longer indulge in ‘leisure shopping’ on Sundays and Bank Holidays. We’re keeping that time for family and friends now and we at Cases applaud that.
And finally, our Independence Day BBQ takes place on Friday 1st July. This year all proceeds go to Console, the wonderful charity based in Galway that helps those dealing with suicide. For a meagre €20, you get great BBQ food, 3 glasses of specially selected wines, entertainment, a raffle and a €200 voucher for the best dressed lady, courtesy of Concepts in Oranmore. Plus if you get a gang together, we’re offering a ‘buy 5 get the 6th FREE’ deal. Book early as we will have limited tickets!
Cases Wine Warehouse
Riverside Commercial Estate
Tuam Road
Galway
Tel: 091 764 701
Fax: 091 764 706
Winner, Bridgestone Irish Food Guide Award 2011
Best Wine Warehouse in Ireland, Sunday Business Post Annual Wine Awards 2011
Top-5 Wine Websites, Sunday Business Post Annual Wine Awards 2011
SCCUL Awards Most Innovative Use of Technology 2010
