We were sitting around the Napa Valley clubhouse, looking out at the dreary weather and looking forward to the long weekend.  We got to talking about our favorite subject --wine and food--and started thinking about wine pairings with our favorite meals to signal the start of summer--especially BBQ!. Here are some of our ideas:

Let's start with the reds. Red wines with higher alcohol, tannin and oak, can taste more tannic and alcoholic alongside foods with a lot of spice or heat. Red wines friendlier to a BBQ tend to be fruity, medium-bodied, moderate in alcohol with just a touch of oak. Red Blends (such as Middle Sister Rebel Red which is a blend of Cab, Merlot and Zinfandel, or PromisQous Red --a Cab, Merlot, Zin and Petite Sirah blend) fit the bill.  You can bring on the spice and the heat and the wines will still taste soft and approachable. 

If a Cowboy BBQ is in your future, may we suggest Purple Cowboy Tenacious Red Cab-Syrah or Purple Cowboy Night Rider Merlot. Great with thick, juicy Rib-Eyes or T-bones, marinated flank steak or Carne Asada, creamy Pinquito Beans, sweet summer grilled corn with Lime-Chile Butter and a tossed green salad or a mound of cole slaw. Purple Cowboy tends to have a bit more structure that our red blends but are still balanced enough to take on hearty foods and withstand a little heat.

Try fruity red blends or single varietals Cab, Merlot or Zin with grilled, smoked or BBQ ribs, brisket, tri-tip steak or chicken rubbed with a flavorful dry spice blend, a tomato or vinegar-based sauce or a garlicky, herb and olive oil condiment like Chimichurri. Our Deep Purple Zin is one of our favorite BBQ wines--fabulous with a sausage mixed grill.

These ligher style reds and blends are not only delicious with casual, flavorful foods, they're great values as well. We'd love for you to try our wines, but remember you can also look to Spain, Italy, Argentina, Chile and the South of France for affordable wines that are BBQ food-friendly and will make your crowd happy.

White Blends (such as Middle Sister Wicked White or PromisQous White). These wines are a blend of Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer and Chenin Blanc. Very much on the fruity side with a refreshing crispness, they'll go well with lighter, bold-flavored foods. Think fish tacos with jalapeno-crema, Cajun-spiced boiled shrimp or grilled veggies with a Balsamic glaze or a garlicky lemon aioli.

Pinot Noir (such as Haute Red Pinot Noir or Middle Sister Goodie Two Shoes Pinot Noir).  We're big fans of Pinot Noir and one of the reasons is because it goes so well with so many different kinds of foods. Grilled, glazed salmon is a classic but for something a little different, how about lamb or duck sausages? Pinot Noir's slight earthiness is also perfect with a grilled Portobella Mushroom or veggie burger.

Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc (Middle Sister Drama Queen Pinot Grigio or Surfer Chick Sauvignon Blanc).  We like these light whites on a picnic.  Be sure to pack in ice so you can serve well-chilled with Buttermilk Fried Chicken or a classic New Orleans-style Muffaletta. If you're a Chardonnay lover, try Midde Sister Smarty Pants Chardonnay. 

Riesling (such as White Haute Riesling) is well-known for its affinity with Asian flavors. It's crisp, fruit-forward, and very moderate in alcohol. Refreshing and delicious with Thai, Vietnamese, Indian, Chinese or Japanese dishes. Try with a cold Soba-noodle salad with peanut suace, grilled Miso shrimp, Teriyaki chicken or sweet and spicy baby back ribs with Hoisin sauce. Pairs beautifully with Latin and other ethnic cuisine as well.

If you can't find these wines, they are all available at our Wine Shop. And remember, we're running a very special Insider Sister Sampler featuring the newest Middle Sister and Haute wine releases. Savings of $26 and $5 from every sampler sold goes to Dress for Success.

We're headed to the New Orleans Wine and Food Festival this weekend. Be sure to stop by a have a taste if you're attending the event!

Cheers!