BBQ By Barque, Wine By Ravenswood, Consumption By Us

 

How is the summer going? Pretty hot eh? I am sure there have been many meals that have included BBQ meat and a glass of red wine. Am I right? In our house, the two go hand-in-hand. It’s rare for a weekend to go by without something on the Big Green Egg and a trip to the LCBO.

Recently (OK MONTHS AGO I SUCK), I was sent a lovely package of wine and BBQ.

What’s the perfect libation for indoor or outdoor grilling? A Zinfandel who’s winemaker’s motto is “No Wimpy Wines”.

Barque Smokehouse and Ravenswood Wines have joined forces to bring you the best of both worlds. I was lucky enough to try out the BBQ side, while my wife took care of the wine.

Now keep in mind, I like to BBQ and smoke meat outdoors. But not everyone can. Hence the point of the kit I was sent.

Named by Joanne Kates in the Globe and Mail as the best barbecue in the west, the team at Barque has expert tips on how to turn your home oven into a smoker – starting with some top notch meat from Barque’s NEW Butcher Bar. Barque means business – with a 500-pound stainless steel smoker from Tennessee sitting right in the heart of the open kitchen, they know barbecue.

As the number one producer of Zinfandel worldwide, Ravenswood wines are powerful personalities: down-to-earth, elegantly rustic and robust. The popular Vintner’s Blend wines, sourced from vineyards throughout California – strive to put what is picked from the fields right into the bottle. Pure, bold, unpretentious wines. Ravenswood stands part from its competitors with its classic, yet approachable style.

So why do Ravenswood Wines pair so well with BBQ?

“Zinfandel is ideal wine for BBQ. Smokey, tender, succulent meat with sweet tangy BBQ sauce demands a wine with fruit, spiciness and a bright quality that brings life to an otherwise heavy experience. Harmonious counterpoint is the name of the game when it comes to BBQ. No wine does this better than Zinfandel.” – Joel Peterson, Ravenswood Founder and Winemaker

“The Vintner’s Blend is Ravenswood’s opportunity to anatomize disparate, old vine California fruit into one Wonka blend, to craft a harmonious if homogeneous Zinfandel expression. The house style in consistency is nothing short of something palmary, here perpetuated in the dried fruit crannies of this 2013. Zinfandel and nothing but, though the variety carries a three quarters presence, the remainder in Petite Sirah, Syrah and “Mixed Blacks.” When the paltry asking price is considered, the VB gives the oak away, asking for little in return, save for a stoked grill or smoker and some well-rubbed slabs of protein. Combine the sweet, savoury, dark, brambly fruit with slow-cooked ribs and a fuligin crust. Men from all around will come calling. Drink 2015-2018. Tasted April 2015.” — Michael Godel, Wine Director, Barque

Now this kit was supposed to get talked about before the grilling season kicked off. Again sorry for that. BUT, who cares. there are many days left until the snow returns so I say drink up and grill up.

In case you are wondering, here is the kit I got in the mail.

  • Ravenswood & Barque Home Smoking Kit Includes:
  • Bottle of 2013 Ravenswood Vintner’s Blend Old Vine Zinfandel
  • Barque Smokin’ Home Kit (2 Rubs, Chips, Smoking Box)
  • Wine Tasting Guide – Ravenswood
  • Gift card to Barque Butcher Bar
  • Smoking at Home with Barque Guide
  • Making Baby Back Ribs with Barque Guide
  • BBQ Cooking Time and Temperature Guide

I have also been meaning to head over to Barque and learn how they make their tasty meat rub. Where does the summer go?

Have you tried Ravenswood before? What did you think? How about Barque if you are lucky enough to live nearby?