Perfect match
Paul Hogan encapsulated the image of friendly, welcoming Aussies in the commercial where he exhorted us to visit Australia, saying he'd 'slip an extra shrimp on the barbie'. Australians are barbecue experts, although, rather than shrimp, they're more likely to cook lamb chops, sausages and other carnivorous delights.
Barbecued shrimps are delicious but not easy to get right. The marinade can vary but should contain as little oil as possible, which will reduce flare-ups that would leave a burned taste and obliterate the shrimp's succulence. The best wine to serve with barbecued shrimp should be versatile, with a wide flavour range.
Vernaccia San Gimignano 2005, Capineto, Italy
Aussies - and others - might not be able to pronounce this long Italian name, but they will eagerly down a few gulps of this excellent, dry white that cleanses the palate and wakens the taste buds. It's not intended to be sophisticated but it's satisfying and delivers honest, wholesome flavours. There's freshness, with almonds and floral high notes, and it has no oak. It's the perfect match to the deep-sea freshness of barbecued prawns, and also goes well with grilled vegetables and a veal chop.
Available for HK$108 from Kedington (tel: 2898 9323)
Hugel Gewurztraminer 2006, Alsace, France
Etienne Hugel has long advocated pairing Asian food with the wines of Alsace and he'd probably love his stunning gewurztraminer with barbecued shrimp - as long as the marinade included chillies and lemongrass, which would lift the wonderful lychee aromatics in the wine. Many inferior traminers have the unripe rose petal flavour spectrum of high-yielding fruit. This, in contrast, is all ripe fruit, with plenty of silky texture. It's the perfect match with Asian flavoured barbecued shrimps.
Available for HK$154 from Maxxium (tel: 2845 5995)
Calera Mt Harlan Viognier 2005, Central Coast, California
California, like many wine-making regions, has gone through fads and trends, but Rhone Valley grape varieties seem to have found a happy home in the Central Coast. I have been drinking this viognier for almost 15 years, tasting it first at the (now defunct) Ritz-Carlton. Every year I look forward to the new supply of Mt Harlan viognier and compare it to past vintages. If you buy just one Californian white wine (and you shouldn't because there are many great bottles) make sure this viognier is on your list. It's another perfect match with shrimp from the barbie.
Available for HK$324 from Golden Gate Wine (tel: 2891 8121)
