Braai (or BBQ) is a big part of the South African summer and various social events and gatherings consists of a braai.

But what is the right sort of wine to offer at a braai? Let’s get one thing straight: there isn’t a right sort! The wine you choose for your braai should be one that you enjoy drinking, not necessarily one that you think you should enjoy. Set the tone for a light-hearted and relaxed event.

Rosé
So if you love a glass of rosé on a summer’s evening, welcome your guests with a chilled dry rosé, which combines the crispness of white wine with the flavours of strawberry or watermelon.

Sparkling wine

Or greet them with a glass of fizzy Sparkling wine. Chilled, pink maybe, it’ll add a touch of sophisticated fun to any garden gathering.

Bearing in mind that both white and red wines can be light-, medium- or full-bodied, vegetables, white meat and fish are light in character and respond best to a sympathetic wine, while red meats can handle a more robust accompaniment.

We’ll make some suggestions but remember, it’s your party and you’re supposed to enjoy it too, so choose what you’re happy with.

Most red wines

Will go well with simple barbecued (braai-ed)  meats. Try a young Cabernet Sauvignon or light fruity French wine.

Sauvignon Blanc

A bottle of Sauvignon Blanc or another white wine with a high acidity content will go well with plain braai-ed meat. Look for one that promises a crisp and intensely aromatic experience.

Or saucy?

For meat covered in barbecue sauce, you want a wine that won’t try to compete with the flavour but will complement it. A young fruity, spicy red would be ideal. Try a Shiraz or a more traditional French Cotes du Rhone, which sometimes has a smoky aroma of its own.

Chilled

If you notice that you’re running out of chilled wine, pop a bottle or two in the freezer for half an hour. Take them out and keep them in a bucket of cold water and some ice. Use cooler sleeves that are available at most off-licences.

To keep a large number of bottles cool, three-quarter fill a clean dustbin with cold water and ice. Place the bottles in a bin bag and put the secured bin bag in the bucket.

Source: exploringwine.co.uk

Arniston Bay Brand News:

A perfect example of a great young Cabernet Sauvignon is  the Arniston Bay Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 . This wine has berry fruit aromas with hints of mint and nutmeg.

Another wine that goes well with a braai is the Arniston Bay Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2009.This wine has cut grass and green pea aromas with a crisp acidity and a good length.