Is your BBQ missing the secret sauce? It’s these wines ...

If you’re firing up the BBQ, you may be wondering which wines to pair with your grilled fare. So who better to lead us through some terrific BBQ bottles than our favourite drinks expert Natalie MacLean who offers Canada’s largest wine review site at nataliemaclean.com.

Hi Natalie!

Hi, great to be back with you! Actually, I never really left—I just went to refill my glass. So we’re going to kick things off with a fun little game. I’ll tell you about the wine and then you tell me which grilled grub pairs best with it.

Sounds like fun! Where are we starting?

Casillero Del Diablo Pinot Grigio
Chile

The Casillero Del Diablo Pinot Grigio from Chile is a zesty white wine with notes of green apple and lemon zest. It’s dry and crisp—like a summer breeze in a glass, minus the humidity and bug spray.

Fascinating fact: Casillero Del Diablo means “the Devil’s Cellar”—a legend created by the winery’s founder to keep thieves away from his best bottles.

That’s diabolically inspiring. I’m going to start labelling my stash of cookies “cursed” to cut down on family thievery.

So which BBQ dish would this wine pair best with?

You’re correct or not! That would be grilled veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, and peppers. This wine’s juicy acidity cuts through the char and earthiness of the veggies giving them the squeeze of citrus they didn’t know they needed.

You have one more wine from this winery. Tell us about it.

Casillero Del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc
Chile

I also have the Casillero Del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc with notes of with notes of gooseberry and grapefruit. It’s got that classic Sauvignon Blanc zing that wakes up your palate, like someone bottled a perfect day at the beach.

Fascinating fact: This Sauvignon Blanc hails from Chile’s Casablanca Valley, known for its cool climate and morning fog that preserve the grape’s vibrant acidity.

So which BBQ dish would this wine pair best with?

You’re correct or not! This wine sings with BBQ salmon and grilled shrimp. Its zesty acidity lifts the smoky richness of grilled seafood. It’s like the lemon wedge that never quits.

Where are we going for our next BBQ bottle?

Lavis Pinot Grigio
Trentino, Italy

Next up is the Lavis Pinot Grigio from Italy with notes of lime and white flowers. It’s a steal at just $15, less than half the price of top-notch Pinot Grigios, and it tastes even better.

Fascinating fact: More than 800 small, family-owned farms grow grapes for this wine. It’s the wine version of an Avengers team-up, but with more stainless steel and less spandex.

The grapes are grown on steep alpine slopes, which give this wine its vibrancy.

So which BBQ dish would this wine pair best with?

You’re correct or not! It’s perfect with grilled lemon rosemary chicken. It has mouthwatering juiciness complements the herbs beautifully. It’s the kind of pairing that makes your taste buds want to write you a thank-you note.

I see you have a Rosé for us next.

Minuty Rosé
Provence, France

Yes indeed! The Minuty Rosé is a glow-up wine, with notes of wild strawberry and pink grapefruit. If a sunset had a flavour, this would be it.

Fascinating fact: Minuty Rosé was one of the first wineries in Provence to earn the prestigious “Cru Classé” status in 1955. In wine terms, that’s like getting into Oxford University, but with less fuss and better snacks.

So which BBQ dish would this wine pair best with?

This was a trick question because you folks are so good at this game! It’s actually chicken again, though in this case, I’d suggest grilled shrimp. The wine is elegant and effortless, just like a breezy outdoor dinner.

You have one more white wine for us.

Cono Sur Viognier
Colchagua Valley, Chile

Now we have Cono Sur Viognier bursting with notes of apricot and orange blossom. This is mango salsa in a glass, or just salsa itself it’s so lively.

Fascinating fact: Cono Sur’s commitment to sustainability has earned them the coveted B-Corp certification. Their vineyard workers still ride bikes between rows of vines — a nod to their eco-friendly roots and the logo on the label.

So which BBQ dish would this wine pair best with?

Yes! Spicy pork ribs or grilled sausages. It’s lush and tropical flavours cool down the heat.

We’re finishing with something for red wine lovers.

Lamole di Lamole Maggiolo Blue Label Chianti Classico
Tuscany, Italy

Yes, the Lamole di Lamole Maggiolo Chianti Classico is a bold red with layers of black cherry and a whisper of smoke. It’s incredibly food friendly.

Fascinating fact: Lamole di Lamole’s vineyards date back to the 1300s and sit at one of the highest elevations in Chianti, which gives the wine its freshness, finesse and a fierce finish.