Our Favorite Wine with 'Cue

Just in time for the summer weekends to begin, with what else, barbecue. I know what you’re thinking, barbecue equals beer, but no! The Memorial Day weekend we just celebrated, is the unofficial start of barbecue season.

Here we hope are some great suggestions for wines to pair with your ‘cue.

It’s one thing when we asked folks about their favorite wines but throw in food and they all go all nutso.

Just thinking about firing up the grill makes our mouths water.

For those folks who steak and pork are their first choice they tend to be lighter red and spicy red wines kind of folks.

After painstaking research… guess what “ Bob the Wine Guy” has come up with? For most barbecue entrées a bottle of what we call high octane Zin might be the perfect thing, with that juicy steak, tri-tip, and yes even burgers.

Now as some of you might remember we here at the Souza family winery just happen to produce a very nice, high octane Zinfandel.

I digress, so getting back to barbecuing and what to drink, many so-called wine experts recommend Zinfandel, I’m just saying.

Further research reveals for pork ribs, also a Zin or Syrah.. for steak, a Malbec blend and again the Zin’s jammy fruit, spice and hints of black pepper interplay perfectly with the sweet and smoky notes found in many of our favorite sauces. Bold, smooth and silky with a long, dry finish – this Zin should be a summer staple for barbecue lovers.

When it comes to grilled chicken a buttery Chardonnay is excellent and with grilled shrimp why not try a delicious Reisling with its slight sweetness that stands up to virtually any BBQ sauce. Speaking of sauces..here’s a favorite of mine that’s easy so…pick your “fav” protein (meat of choice) and let’s try this.

As we move into summer let me take this opportunity to let you all know that we will be starting our “Dog Days of Summer” events, and for those of you who helped participate last year, check our web site souzafamilyvineyard.com for dates for 2014 and which charity will be honored. These rescues are various groups of folks who work with dog placements, spay and neutering, and raising and training companion and guide dogs.

Give some thought to maybe coming by to meet and supporting these wonderful groups.

Thank you.

A lot of you might know that I am Italian and grew up Catholic so I have to share this story with you.

I was about 14 and my cousin Rocco and I would go to confession every Saturday. After which we would tell each other you know, what we got for penance.

Cousin Rocco goes in first and says to the priest, bless me Father for I have sinned. I’ve been with a loose girl, and wouldn’t you know it, the priest says, “ Is that you Rocco? “ Yes Father,” he says. And the priest says, “Who is the girl you were with?” Rocco says, “I can’t tell you Father, I don’t want to ruin her reputation.” So the priest says, “Was it Teresa Mazzarelli?” “No,” he says. “Was it Nina Capelli?” “I’ll never tell.” “Was it Cathy Piriano?” “No my lips are sealed.” “Was it Rosa DiAngelo?” “Please, Father! I cannot tell you.”

The priest gives up in frustration and says, “You’re very tight lipped and I admire that, but you’ve sinned and have to atone. You cannot be an altar boy now for three months so go and behave yourself.” So Rocco comes back to where I’m sitting and I say, “Rocco what’d you get?” “Three months vacation and four good leads.” Bada Bing

Till next time my readers I remain yours truly.

— BTWG, Abondanza Fortuna