Which Wine Should You Choose for Your BBQ?

Our Best BBQ & Wine Pairings

Summer is the perfect season for outdoor dining, sizzling grills and long evenings shared with family and friends. But one question always comes up: which wine should you serve with a barbecue?

A barbecue is all about bringing people together. The sound of crackling charcoal, glasses being filled, the irresistible aroma of food cooking over the fire... every detail creates a memorable experience. While recipes may vary, one thing never changes: the right wine can elevate a simple barbecue into a true gastronomic experience.

By pairing the smoky flavours of grilled food with the expressive aromas of Rhône Valley wines, every combination tells a story of terroir, generosity and conviviality.

Discover our favourite BBQ and wine pairings.

Why Does Wine Matter with a Barbecue?

Contrary to popular belief, the perfect pairing isn't determined solely by the type of meat.

Several elements influence the choice of wine:

• the cooking method
• the marinade
• the spices
• the richness and fat content of the meat

A wood-fired rib steak won't require the same wine as a spicy marinated chicken or a grilled sea bream.

Which Wine with Grilled Beef or a Rib Steak?

Grilled beef develops powerful flavours thanks to the Maillard reaction, creating delicious roasted, smoky and lightly caramelised notes.

These rich flavours deserve equally generous red wines with structure and refined tannins.

Our Recommendation

🍷 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Le Miocène Rouge

🥩 Wood-Fired Rib Steak & Le Miocène Rouge

The crackle of glowing embers, the aroma of burning wood, a beautifully marbled rib steak slowly developing a golden crust… this is where barbecue reaches its full potential.

Le Miocène Rouge rises effortlessly to the occasion.

The proteins in the beef naturally soften the wine's tannins, while the Syrah reveals layers of dark berries and peppery spice that echo the smoky aromas of the grill. Grenache brings richness and silky texture, wrapping around the succulent fat of the steak before leading into a long, elegant finish.

A powerful yet perfectly balanced pairing where food and wine speak the same language.

🍷 Gigondas Terrasses de Montmirail

An excellent choice with grilled flank steak or pepper-crusted ribeye.

Which Wine with Merguez, Sausages or Skewers?

Spicy merguez and juicy sausages call for wines with generous fruit and freshness.

Our Recommendations

🍷 Côtes-du-Rhône Grand Veneur Rouge

Its generous fruit profile and subtle spice beautifully complement grilled sausages.

🍷 Les Champauvins Côtes-du-Rhône Rouge

The barbecue is in full swing. Sausages gently brown over the embers, skewers are passed around the table and conversations flow as easily as the wine.

With its crunchy red fruit aromas, elegance and freshness, Les Champauvins is made for relaxed summer gatherings. Delicate spicy notes beautifully mirror the smoky flavours from the grill, while its vibrant fruit keeps every bite fresh and inviting.

The kind of bottle opened simply for pleasure... and often finished sooner than expected.

Perfect with grilled flank steak, herb sausages and mixed skewers.

Which Wine with Grilled Lamb?

Lamb naturally pairs with the generous reds of the Southern Rhône.

Our Recommendation

🍷 Vacqueyras Grande Garrigue Rouge

🍖 Herb-Marinated Lamb Skewers & Vacqueyras Grande Garrigue Rouge

As lamb slowly grills over glowing embers, thyme and rosemary release their fragrant aromas into the warm summer air.

The Grande Garrigue Rouge captures this Provençal atmosphere beautifully.

Its ripe red fruit aromas meet the delicate flavours of the lamb, while subtle herbal notes echo the fresh herbs in the marinade. Freshness balances the richness of the meat, and silky tannins gently support every bite.

A pairing that evokes not only a meal, but an entire Mediterranean landscape.

Which Wine with Chicken or Pork?

White meats offer remarkable versatility.

Depending on the marinade, they pair beautifully with a light red, a rosé or even a white wine.

Our Recommendations

🍷 SY-RAH Family

Golden grilled chicken, caramelised pork chops and the gentle scent of wood smoke drifting through the garden...

These delicate meats deserve a wine that enhances rather than overpowers them.

SY-RAH Family charms with its freshness and easy-going personality. Notes of blackcurrant, violet and dark berries brighten every bite, while its supple texture lets the flavours of the barbecue shine.

A spontaneous, generous wine made for long lunches and relaxed evenings around the grill.

🍷 Ventoux Les Gélinottes

Perfect with grilled pork ribs.

🍷 Tavel Le Crétacé

A wonderful rosé pairing for grilled veal cutlets.

Which Wine with Duck?

Duck breast offers rich, juicy meat with a beautifully crisp skin.

Our Recommendation

🍷 Lirac Clos de Sixte Rouge

As the duck skin slowly crisps over the fire, aromas of roasted spices and caramelised meat fill the air.

Clos de Sixte Rouge matches this richness beautifully.

Its firm tannic structure balances the natural fat of the duck, while aromas of black fruits, kirsch cherries and warm spices extend the flavours of the barbecue.

Each bite becomes deeper, each sip reveals another layer of complexity.

An elegant pairing full of character.

Which Wine with Grilled Fish?

Grilled fish remains delicate while developing subtle smoky notes.

Rhône Valley white wines provide the perfect balance between freshness and aromatic richness.

Our Recommendations

🐟 Marinated Salmon

➡️ Condrieu La Butte d'Or

🐟 Grilled Shrimp Skewers

➡️ Les Champauvins Blanc (Viognier)

🐟 Grilled Sea Bream

➡️ Vacqueyras Grande Garrigue Blanc

Which Wine with Grilled Vegetables?

Courgettes, aubergines, peppers and tomatoes develop sweet, lightly caramelised flavours over the grill.

Our Recommendation

🍷 Bellissime Rosé

Its freshness and vibrant red berry aromas perfectly complement summer vegetables.

Our Tips for Perfect BBQ & Wine Pairings

• Avoid heavily tannic reds with fish.
• Spicy marinades pair beautifully with fruit-forward wines.
• Herbs de Provence naturally complement Rhône Valley wines.
• Serve red wines slightly chilled during summer (around 16°C / 61°F).
• Don't overlook rosé — it's one of the most versatile wines for any barbecue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which wine should I serve with grilled rib steak?

Choose a structured red such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape or Gigondas.

Which wine goes with merguez?

A generous, spicy Côtes-du-Rhône is an excellent choice.

Which wine pairs with grilled chicken?

A supple red, a characterful rosé or a fresh white, depending on the marinade.

Which wine goes with a vegetarian barbecue?

A refreshing rosé or an aromatic white pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables.

Is rosé a good choice for a barbecue?

Absolutely. Rosé is one of the most versatile wines for summer grilling.

Recommended BBQ & Wine Pairings