Wine and barbecue: a pair that never fails

In Bogotá, the weekend barbecue is almost an institution. The question we are asked most often at Merkato is always the same: what wine should I bring for the barbecue? The answer depends on the type of meat, the budget, and how much you want to impress. We have the solution here.

For premium cuts: Argentine Malbec

If there is tenderloin, sirloin cap, or churrasco on the grill, Argentine Malbec is the natural pairing. The tannic structure of Malbec complements the fat and protein of premium cuts perfectly.

Our recommendations:

  • Clos de los Siete — The most elegant. A Malbec-predominant blend, crafted by Michel Rolland. 11 months in French oak. For the barbecue you want them to remember.
  • Rutini Cabernet Malbec — Power and balance. Ideal for ribs or skirt steak.
  • Alta Vista Alto — A blend of Malbec and Cabernet, 14 months in oak. For the connoisseurs at the table.

For the everyday Sunday barbecue: versatile reds

Not all barbecues are for special occasions. For a relaxed Sunday with family or friends, these reds work with everything and won't break the bank:

  • Comenge Biberius — Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero. Elegant, fresh, and uncomplicated. A Merkato customer favorite.
  • Livana Carmenere — The Chilean red that never disappoints. Goes well with chorizo, grilled chicken, and anything coming off the coals.
  • Trumpeter Malbec 375ml — If you want Malbec but in a format for two, this is the one.

To accompany chorizos and blood sausages: fresh reds

The tastiest meats of the barbecue—chorizo, blood sausage, ribs—call for reds with good acidity and not too much oak. The Livana Carmenere or the Comenge Biberius are perfect here.

At what temperature should you serve red wine at a barbecue?

This is the most common mistake: serving red wine at room temperature when it's hot. In Bogotá, indoor temperatures hover around 18-20°C, which is already the upper limit for a red. If the barbecue is in a garden or on a terrace in the sun, put the bottle in the refrigerator 20 minutes before serving. Cold wine can always warm up in the glass, but warm wine has no solution.

Order your barbecue wine for same-day delivery

At Merkato, we deliver same-day in Bogotá for orders placed before 3pm. So if the barbecue is this afternoon, there's still time.

👉 See red wines for barbecue