There are a number of activities that come to mind when thinking of 4th of July. One of the most popular involves grilling or cooking out and many Southwest Florida residents will be doing just that at some point. Here are 5 fabulous red white and BBQ wines to enjoy at your holiday soiree and for Wine Wednesday.

You can cook almost anything on a grill. In turn, there is a wide range of wines you can enjoy with that food. From vegetables to seafood and a variety of meats. When it comes to hearty meats, I often turn to countries that are known for grilling, like Argentina. Malbecs and red blends from here are generally a slam dunk and mostly affordable too.

Red White And BBQ Wines

One of my go to wines for grilling is zinfandel. The red wine is typically full of fruit and spice. Some can be high in alcohol and over extracted. But when they are made thoughtfully and with balance in mind, they are fantastic.

At a cookout last weekend I had a Girasole Zinfandel. My friend said it was a recommended purchase at his local liquor store. I agreed with the recommendation. It was fantastic with the burgers as well as variety of side dishes.

Girasole

Finally, it is pretty hot this time of year. Don’t forget to keep your wines chilled. Warm wine is never a good idea. Even the reds could use most likely stand a quick ice bath. Click here for tips on proper serving temperatures to get the most out of your wines in the summer heat.

Here are wines 5 fabulous red white and BBQ wines for your 4h of July fun.

• Koyle Costa La Flor Sauvignon Blanc

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  This one is from Chile and it is lean and dry. It is also lower in sugar than many sauvignon blancs. The result is a wine that has lots of citrus, lemon and lime. It also has a bit of salinity and a hint of jalapeno. Try it with seafood, salads or even make a spritzer with it. $16 range

• Halter Ranch Grenache Blanc

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  I had to include a wine from a “ranch” when talking about BBQ, although it is white. In Paso Robles, the organic vineyards grow Rhone varietals such as Grenache Blanc, Picpoul Blanc, and Viognier, all of which show up in this wine. It is floral and tropical with nice rich texture. Grilling chicken or oysters? Try this. $45

• Alma Rosa Santa Rita Hills Caracol

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  This is a splurge and it’s worth it. This pinot noir was planted in a radiating pattern, with a variety of rootstock and clones as a way to blend in the vineyard rather than in the cellar. Samra Morris crafts it. Fun fact, she is the first Bosnian American to rise to the role of winemaker in California. This has so many great herbal nuances with a blend of red and dark fruit. A touch chalky, lovely finish. Try with lamb and those portabellos. $90
• Montecillo Crianza

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  From the Rioja region of Spain, this Crianza is a great value blend. It has lots of cherry and blackberry that linger in a good way. The tannins are balanced and it would work with everything from burgers to chicken and carry through to a dark chocolate dessert too. $14

• Fuldraw

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  This is a superb blend of Grenache and Syrah. It’s both juicy and concentrated with a balance of red and dark fruits. Fun fact, fulldraw refers to when an archer has fully drawn the bow to its maximum point with tension, balance and precision. It’s the inspiration and great description for this wine. $55

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