Summer Wine Pairing: BBQs and Ice Cream

Summer is here - long days, Bank Holiday BBQs, sea dips and 99's. Tis the season to guide you to a place where the art of conventional and unconventional wine pairings meet the rising temps. Including some sweet inspiration from the whimsical Folderol in Paris, where a wine bar serving natural wine and ice cream sees lines out the door in the (very cool and some may say trendy) 11th arrondissement.

So, let’s have dessert first — Wine & Ice Cream Pairings

In the spirit of Folderol, we thought we'd suggest some summer pairings that are quirky yet oh, so joyful and delicious. When Folderol's owners were asked - why natural wine and ice cream? Their answer was simple: pairing two things that derive so much pleasure and are also thoughtfully produced results in an unlikely perfect pairing. And we couldn't agree more. A la their renowned ice cream flavours like olive oil, cold brew coffee and fig sorbet, we've been inspired to throw out some weird and wonderful confections (as well as the Irish summer go-to's) for you to pair with sunshiny swill.

99’s & Moscato d'Asti or Spumante: A light and sweet or semi-sweet sparkling wine from Italy offers enticing floral aromas and delicate fruit flavours - a delightful combination contrasting a 99's flaky textures and vanilla flavours. Wild Wines: Dolce Veleno Spumante Demi Sec DOC, Italy 

Strawberry & Pétillant-Naturel: Picture a bowl of luscious strawberry ice cream paired with the charmingly effervescent and frothy bubbles of a pét-nat. The wine's vibrant acidity and lively palate are in harmony with the sweet and tangy notes and texture of the ice cream. Wild Wines: Weingut Gold, Super Glou Pink Gold Pet’Nat, Württemberg VDP, Germany

Aromatic Whites & Citrus Sorbets: Let the bright and zesty flavours of citrus sorbet dance on your palate as you sip on an aromatic white like Riesling or Grüner Veltliner. The wine's vibrant acidity and fruity undertones balance the sorbet's tanginess, creating a refreshing and invigorating pairing. Wild Wines: Funkstille, Skin Contact, Niederösterreich, Austria (Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, Gewürztraminer, Muscat)

Salted Caramel & Orange Wine: Indulge your taste buds with the decadent combination of salted caramel and a glass of orange wine. The wine's tannins and citrusy flavours playfully balance the richness of the ice cream -- a symphony of sweet and quenching sensations. Wild Wines: Château de Cranne Vin Orange, Côtes-de-Bordeaux, France; No es Pituko, Romi Orange, Curicó Valley, Chile 

Lavender Honey & Chenin Blanc: Transport yourself to a fragrant lavender field with a scoop of lavender honey ice cream paired with a glass of Chenin Blanc. The crisp acidity and tropical fruit notes of the Chenin Blanc beautifully accentuate the subtle floral sweetness of the lavender. Wild Wines: Domaine Vincent Carême, Vouvray Pétillant Brut, France; Les Athletes Du Vin Chenin Blanc, Loire Valley Vin de France 

Earl Grey & Riesling: Embrace the pleasing contrast of a bergamot-infused Earl Grey ice cream with a crisp and acidic Riesling. This versatile white exhibits citrusy and stone fruit characteristics, along with a racy acidity that cuts through the richness of the ice cream. Wild Wines: Weingut Gold, Riesling Trocken, Württemberg VDP, Germany

Next, the classic BBQ Staples — Grilled Meats & Bold Reds.

When it comes to grilled meats like steaks, lamb chops, or beef burgers, you'll want wines that match their robust flavours. Opt for full-bodied red wines with rich tannins and ample fruitiness. Some crowd-pleasing choices include:

Cabernet Sauvignon: This classic red with its blackcurrant and dark cherry flavours and structured tannins stand up beautifully to grilled red meats. Wild Wines: Propuesta,Curicó, Chile; Laudario, Tuscany, Italy; Château Ka Source de Rouge, Bekaa Valley, Lebanon; Cartlidge & Browne, Napa Valley, CA, USA

Malbec: Known for its velvety texture, ripe black fruit flavours, and hints of spice. Malbec's smoothness and acidity complement the BBQ fare's smoky flavours and charred edges. Wild Wines: Cinco Fincas, Mendoza, Argentina; Proemio Origins, Maipú, Mendoza, Argentina 

Grilled Seafood & Crisp Whites

If you prefer seafood on the barbie, lighter-bodied whites with refreshing acidity will do the trick. These wines help cut through the richness of the fish and offer a vibrant contrast. Consider the following classic options:

Sauvignon Blanc: Its zesty citrus notes and herbaceous aromas make Sauvignon Blanc an ideal partner for grilled fish, prawns, or scallops. The wine's acidity beautifully complements the flavours of seafood while providing a refreshing palate cleanse. Wild Wines: Viña Echeverria Reserva, Curicó Valley, Chile; Les Athletes Du Vin Touraine, Loire Valley, France; Diane, Famille Arbeau, France (Sav Blanc & Mauzac); Domaine Isle Saint Pierre, IGP Méditerranée, France (Sav Blanc & Gewürztraminer); Castillo del Moro, Southern Spain (Sav Blanc & Airen)

Chardonnay: Opt for unoaked or lightly oaked Chardonnays that offer crisp acidity and vibrant fruit flavours. These wines pair well with grilled lobster or buttery garlic shrimp. Wild Wines: Château Ka Source de Blanche, Bekaa Valley (Sav Blanc & Chardonnay); Les Athletes Du Vin Chardonnay, Loire Valley, France 

Vegetarian & Rosé

Vegetables can be incredibly versatile on the BBQ and deserve wines that enhance their natural flavours. Rosés, with their delicate profiles and bright acidity, are excellent companions for grilled veggies (and sunny weather, in general). Wild Wines: Domaine Isle Saint Pierre, Since 1927 Rosé, France; Manz Penedo do Lexim, Lisboa, Portugal, No Es Pituko Rosé, Curicó Valley, Chile 

Summer is a time for reveling and embracing the unexpected. So, let your imagination run wild when pairing your warm weather fare. And cheers to a splendid and safe Bank Holiday filled with laughter, enchantment, and delightful indulgence!