Our resident wine expert, Eleanor Read, recommends an unusual white Silvaner to give your garden party the edge over the neighbours...
As the summer sun beats down, our thoughts turn to the Great British Barbecue. Whether youâre gas or coal, fancy chrome or bricks and grates, juicy ribeye or halloumi kebabs, itâs hard not to love a meal cooked outside. But finding a wine to match can be tricky.
The intense smokiness of barbecued food is a tough customer for any grape however an able match is Villa Wolf Silvaner (£8.99 from Oddbins). The nectarine and orange blossom aromas of the summery bouquet lead on to ripe peaches and apricots on the palate. There is a subtle spritz to the wine (evident in the small bubbles clinging to the glass) that adds a prickly crispness.
Itâs dry but not overly so, which complements ketchups and marinades marvellously. A touch of sugar cuts through the smokiness of the food, with the help by a zingy lime finish. A beautiful wine, made more so by a dollop of sunshine.
Producer: Villa Wolf
Grape variety: Silvaner
Vintage: 2009
Country: Germany
ABV: 12%
Price: £8.99 (or £7.19 as part of a mixed case of 12)
Available from: www.oddbins.com, and their various Manchester outlets.
