5 tasty reds to rev up barbecues and casual cookouts

Bank holiday weekends signal party time… and sizzling in the sunshine calls for smoky marinades, sweet and sticky sauces, plus something to get the juices flowing with just the right measure of oomph.

After all, your best cuts of meat, skewered kebabs and burgers laced with all the trimmings deserve a lip-smacking red to satisfy a thirst for something super delicious – and fire up those flavours.

Here’s what’s on our hot list…

1. Co-op Fairtrade Organic Malbec 2023, Argentina, £8.50, Co-op, in-store only

How much do we love the mighty malbec? Especially when the BBQ King (or Queen) appreciates one of the key ingredient’s for their smoky affair… a crowd-pleasing red to enhance those enticing woodchip flavours. Perfumed with signature violet and plummy notes, succulent fruit accented with soft spice and smooth, firm finish.

2. Kleine Zalze Shiraz, Grenache, Cabernet Franc 2022, South Africa, £9.35, Co-op, in-store only

When you want to get your braai hat on and kick-start a charcoal-fuelled BBQ, this deftly blended red is a winner with skewered lamb kebabs, green peppers and onion. Aromatic with subtle savoury notes, spiced red berries entwined with herbal notes and fresh finish.

3. M&S Tangled Knot Zinfandel 2023, Lodi, California, USA, £9, Marks & Spencer, in-store only

This fun label illustrates the style of the vine with its tangled knotted bark, and kiss of oak. Super delicious, it’s a showy red to amp up anything you serve it with… think fragrant and fruit-forward, rich fruit basket of blackcurrants and blackberries laced with vanilla spice, and long-lasting finish.

4. Errazuriz Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, Aconcagua Region, Chile, £8.99 (was £11.99), Waitrose

A glorious glass, this Chilean cab sav charms with its rich black fruits, cassis and plums, punctuated with notes of cedar, spice, and long, lingering finish. Super smooth, it’s one for seared steak, baked potatoes and creamy coleslaw. Mmm.

5. Redheads Barrel Monkeys Shiraz 2022, McLaren Vale, Australia, £14.99, Laithwaites

Enticing from word go, this rich red’s loaded with spice-edged blackcurrant fruit, and myriad of inviting savoury notes to spur on a selection of grilled meats. Moreover, open an hour before serving and hints of red liquorice come into play, not to mention the seductive bouquet. Wow, what a wine and wacky label for sure. Cheers!