Four red wines that you can’t miss out on for summer’s barbeque season

Diving into a big bold glass of cabernet sauvignon or spicy shiraz may be the thing you hanker after most on a cold crisp evening, but there is no reason to consign the full bodied, opulent reds you love to the winter months. With barbeque season well underway, red wines are just as fantastic a sunshine tipple and make great accompaniments to so many summery dishes.

With a list of over 80 wines (and growing) available throughout the year, Lidl’s offerings include the Cimarosa range as well as the Winemaker's Selection. It’s a carefully curated collection of wines crafted by expert winemakers across the globe from South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

The 100 point system of rating wines is one which is now used by many critics and wine competitions around the world

What’s even more helpful to budding oenophiles is the 100 point system; a rating given by Lidl’s independent lead taster Richard Bampfield, a highly regarded master of wine. The 100 point system of rating wines is one which is now used by many critics and wine competitions around the world.

Here, we have sampled four of Lidl’s finest New World reds from the Winemaker’s Selection, and have matched them with some delicious food ideas for you to serve at home during summer 2020.

The wine:

South African Premium Fairtrade Shiraz, 13%

The price:

€8.99

Wine rating:

86 out of 100. Very good – a wine with special qualities.

The taste:

Shiraz loves warmer climates so this wine is ideally suited to the sunny vineyards of the Western Cape of South Africa – and does especially well around Paarl, a district that lies to the north of Stellenbosch. This area is not as exposed to the cooling sea breezes further west so conditions are ideal for ripening shiraz, which is proving to be very successful in South Africa. The terrain also offers a variety of soils, perfect for creating this deeply coloured wine which is richly fruity and spicy with smoky oak aromas. Expect a wine that is ripe, smooth and warming.

Goes well with:

This silky wine works well with Spanish chorizo or makes an excellent accompaniment to a hearty chili con carne – add a splash to the sauce too, it works wonders. Sip this New World wine alongside a tomato pasta bake or cheesier pastas, such as mac and cheese. For an easy evening with a gang of mates, serve with a grazing board, including nibbles like cured meats, Deluxe Premium Continental Cheeses and some pickles and chutneys.

The wine:

Australian Cabernet Sauvignon, 13%

The price:

€8.99

Wine rating:

87 out of 100. Very good – a wine with special qualities.

The taste:

An Aboriginal word meaning honeysuckle, the Coonawarra region in South Australia has a reputation for producing the country's best cabernet sauvignon. These wines are produced on its terra rossa – or red soil – and being located just 60 km from the sea, it has a somewhat maritime climate, not dissimilar to Bordeaux in France. This wine balances oak-ageing with lovely fruit purity. These structured wines have characteristics of cassis and eucalyptus and they age very well. This particular cabernet sauvignon is a ripe, bright and satisfying wine with hints of blackcurrant.

Goes well with:

This wine will bring your favourite barbequed meats to life – so marinate some lamb chops in rosemary and garlic or place rib eye steaks in a red wine jus and fire up the coals. Equally, a large joint of meat such as roast beef or a leg of lamb will match perfectly with this well-balanced libation. The Deluxe range of Sourdough pizza is also a great finger food pairing with the lovely fruits in this wine.

The wine:

Australian Shiraz Baros, 13.5%

The price:

€8.99

Wine rating:

88 out of 100. Very good – a wine with special qualities.

The taste:

This offering comes from Australia's heartland for quality shiraz: the Barossa Valley, which is just north of Adelaide. Many hectares of vineyards are a distinctive feature in the area and in the balmy, dry climate of Barossa, older vines produce delicious wines. Such is the success of the wine industry in the region that every two years they celebrate the week-long Barossa Valley Vintage Festival. This shiraz is full bodied, with soft tannins and it develops aromas of leather and spice as it ages, while the ripe, generous fruit combines nicely with savoury notes of smoke and pepper – both bold and concentrated.

Goes well with:

If there was ever a wine to accompany barbequed meats, it is this one. Australian Shiraz Baros will transform every type of meat that works well over hot coals. Stock the fridge full of Lidl’s Deluxe Angus Rib Steak Burgers, Deluxe hamburger buns and relishes – the Deluxe range has Irish Jalapeno, Irish Sweetcorn Relish and Irish Chargrilled Pepper Relish to choose from – and not forgetting Oaklands tomatoes, butterhead lettuce and Irish onions to garnish. Lamb and beef kebabs, or juicy steaks are also great with this wine. Serve with a baked potato, cooked on the barbeque to infuse it with that smoky flavour. Homemade guacamole, hummus, coleslaw as well as a pretty mozzarella and tomato salad will liven up your summertime barbeque table with lots of vibrant colours.

The wine:

New Zealand Pinot Noir Hawkes Bay, 13.5%

The price:

€9.99

Wine rating:

86 out of 100. Very good – a wine with special qualities.

The taste:

On the east of New Zealand’s North Island, the vineyards of Hawke’s Bay are located close to the towns of Hastings and Napier. Both have a reputation for their outstanding red wines. The area is blessed with long sunshine hours and is second only to the Marlborough region in terms of planting. If sauvignon blanc is New Zealand's best white grape, then pinot noir can lay claim to being the best red – there is so much flavour here. This delicious, authentic pinot noir has ripe, stewed strawberry fruits, is juicy and not too dry. It is firm with a dry finish.

Goes well with:

Duck and veal are two meats that work well with pinot noir. Oven roasted Lidl Deluxe Plain Duck Breasts, served with Deluxe Grain Salad Pots with Dressing or Meadow Fresh Salad Pots (we love the Spinach Pesto Pasta and Edamame Bean varieties) will make a tasty summertime meal for friends. Pinot noir is perfect with barbecued or grilled meats and vegetables such as charred peppers, courgettes and mushroom too. Or, try this wine with a grilled Bally Manor Chicken Burger and serve some charred halloumi on the side for a Greek twist.