Best wine for a barbecue

For grilled red meat

Malbec from Argentina is the barbecue red. It has enough body and dark fruit to match the char and richness of grilled beef, enough approachability to drink on a warm afternoon, and a price point that makes it practical to buy in quantity. A Cotes du Rhone or a Languedoc red is a close second.

For grilled chicken and pork

Rose is the most versatile barbecue wine. A dry Provence rose or a rose from the southern Rhone works with chicken, pork, sausages, and lighter fish dishes. It is the one bottle that can cover almost every plate on the table.

Practical advice

For a large barbecue, buy one versatile red and one rose. The red handles the meat, the rose handles everything else. Serve the red slightly cooler than you would indoors -- 15 to 16 degrees -- so it stays refreshing in the heat.

Planning a barbecue or at a restaurant with a grill? Tell Pour what you are serving and it will find the right bottle.

Planning a barbecue? Tell Pour what you are serving and it will suggest the right wine.