Barbecue like you’re in California: 5 wines and recipes

A ROAD TO DISCOVERY

Culinary destination par excellence

When it comes time to look for entertaining inspiration, the attraction for the US West Coast comes naturally. Culinary destination par excellence, we dream of escaping to its postcard landscapes, stroll through the vineyards by bike and stop for a picnic. Sound good? Yeah, to us too. Let’s go to California.

Green and visionary

California is doing more than dreaming and taking action by putting the environment at the forefront. One could even say that sustainable development and eco-responsible practices are in the State’s DNA. At a time when many wine regions are tilting towards healthier production methods, California serves as a model with a true 360 degrees of measures that apply to everything from water and waste management to wildlife conservation and good practices as an employer. So, it’s not surprising to learn that more than 85%¹ of the State’s production comes from vineyards that are certified sustainable.

Sunshine in every bottle

With its sunny days and warm climate tempered by cool ocean breezes, California offers ideal vine growing conditions. So much so that it is host to more than 100 varieties from one end of its famous valleys to the other. Although it is known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot, Zinfandel and Chardonnay, the region delivers a panoply of wines from other grape varieties and blends. It is at the forefront for its mouth-filling wines with pronounced flavours. That said, it can sometimes stand out with a few drier and more tense wines, where the minerality and the invigorating aspect of the fruit dictate the profile. Some cuvées even display these two aspects together in the same glass, which creates a remarkable complexity that few wine regions can offer.

But what California is known for above all is its approachability and the mouth-watering pairings its wines allow. But enough talk, let’s barbecue!

Our suggestions

5 wine and barbecue pairings to get a taste of California

Cab and ribs

Surely one of the most appreciated red wines and top sellers at the SAQ, Liberty School collects reviews and praise on our site. This hit from Paso Robles offers notes of black fruits, pastry, licorice, vanilla and will be a hit with ribs.

Chardonnay and goat cheese

The name of this cuvée refers to the coastal fog which is carried to the vineyard to temper its climate. Its notes of citrus and green apple are complemented by a touch of toasted oak and vanilla, inherited from its aging in barrels.

Chardonnay and trout

A true legend, this Chardonnay cuvée has been the best-selling in the United States since 1982. Impressively rich, the wine expresses itself through notes that combine exotic fruits, pineapple and peach with seductive aromas from its aging in oak barrels. Round, ample and persistent.

Pinot and chicken

This medium-bodied wine expresses a refreshing acidity and offers a broad texture and fleshy tannins. Purplish red in colour, it boasts an intense nose exuding woody, spicy, floral and fruity aromas. Serve with baguette topped with Québec cheese and onion confit.

Cab and burger

The intensity and exuberance of New World wines are well felt in this California wine. Caramel, mocha, vanilla, red and black fruits ... This enveloping red does not lack character or persistence. Enjoy with baby back ribs or a homemade burger.

Even more suggestions to explore California

So, what’s next?

Compared to the Old Continent, California is relatively young on the wine scene, but even old vines were once young. Given the level of quality it currently serves, with such vision, visionary spirit, great concern for the environment and creativity to spare, we can bet the Golden State is just getting started.

In partnership with wines of California

1 : California Wine Institute