Somebody get a bag of oysters! Raw or Barbecued, this Muscadet is the perfect pairing and, did we mention, the perfect price?? Muscadets, hailing from the western edge of the Loire Valley in NW France, start around $12-15 for a very good reasonably priced wine, but the sur lie method also forms a backbone for a very age-worthy wine. Fresh acidity and elegant fruit, the Melon de Bourgogne varietal packs a profile that delivers pre-summer flavors that are sure to bring on that warm weather feeling. Try making these three Mignionette sauces with the raw oyesters.  Which do you like best?

Chateauneuf du Pape often gets overshadowed by Cab with grilled faire. If there is any red meat on the Barbecue or in the slow cooker, this wine will stand up to it and offer a different complexity than Cabernet. Steaks, ribs and pretty much anything with bacon are our pairing suggestions. Full flavor and full body, this wine has a wonderful balance between fruity and savory characteristics. It is full flavor, balanced between alcohol and acidity. It’s still young, but with a half-hour decant, this wine will be drinking beautifully with tannins dancing with the smoky flavors from the food. Try this recipe here.

Pick up some fennel, grab your garlic from the pantry, make a quick rub and throw the chicken on the grill with some mixed veggies for a quick and interesting gourmet barbecue. Meanwhile, pull this Vermentino out of the ice bucket and crack it open. You’ll love the fresh nose, bursting with white flowers, lime and apple, absent of oak. The fuller body and continued freshness on the palate will compliment and exaggerate the fennel from the chicken. Check out the recipe here

Pinot was meant for piggies. Whether it’s grilled, pulled or roasted, with bbq, Italian seasoning or al pastor, Pinot Noir’s red and black cherry component, along with the edge of savory smoky flavor could not provide a better complement to pork. Give this al Pastor recipe a go – warning! Start it the day before and go easy on the spicy ingredients. The hot spices can intensify the alcohol in red wines. If you’re into the alcohol, pour yourself some tequila, but for Pinot, you’ll be happy with slightly milder flavors.

Soter North Valley Pinot around $30

Happy 4th!