It’s hot and muggy outside and for many, including me, the weather calls for light, refreshing white wines. While I’ve poured my share of Assyrtiko, Sauvignon Blanc and Albarino this summer, I’m now craving reds that pair well with burgers, ribs and steaks.

15 Red Wines to Uncork at Summer Barbecues:

Wines for Burgers:

• 2007 Campo Viejo Reserva Rioja (Rioja, Spain) – $9.99
• 2010 Alba Vineyards Old Mill Red (Musconetcong Valley, New Jersey, USA) – $11.99
• 2011 Garnet Vineyards Pinot Noir (Monterey County, California, USA) – $14.99
• 2009 Albert Bichot Pinot Noir Vielles Vignes (Burgundy, France) – $14.99
• 2011 Hahn Pinot Noir (Monterey County, California, USA) – $15.99

Wines for Ribs:

• 2010 Graffigna Centenario Malbec Reserve (San Juan, Argentina) – $10.99
• 2009 Villa Puccini Toscana (Tuscany, Italy) – $10.99
• 2010 Predator Old Vine Zinfandel (Central Valley, California, USA) – $11.99
• 2010 Renwood Winery Premier Old Vine Zinfandel (Amador County, California, USA) – $19.99
• 2011 Seghesio Sonoma County Zinfandel (Sonoma County, California, USA) – $23.99

Wines for Steaks:

• 2008 Wyndham Estate BIN 555 Shiraz  (South Eastern, Australia) – $9.99
• 2010 Montes Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenere (Colchagua Valley, Chile) – $10.99
• 2010 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Barossa Shiraz (Barossa Valley, Australia) – $14.99

• 2008 Allegrini Palazzo Della Torre (Valpolicella, Italy) – $16.99
• 2009 Esporao Reserva Red (Alentejo, Portugal) – $18.99

What are some of your affordable reds?

Cheers,

Veronique