THE charcoal scent and juicy flavours of a barbecue grilled steak can stir up quite a thirst, so make sure you do it justice with the right red.

From casual cookouts to gourmet get-togethers, richly fruited red wines are a natural bedfellow with barbecued meats and a wine such as Tagus Creek Shiraz-Trincadeira 2012, Portugal (£4.50 from £6.25, now until July 31, Asda) is versatile enough to go the full distance. A Decanter Regional Trophy winner from the JP Ramos winery, the blend of shiraz and trincadeira offers generous black plum and blackberry flavours ending with a lick of spice.

Sainsbury’s Winemakers’ Selection seems to be improving all the time, and for New World fans who want to drink in the outdoor Aussie lifestyle, Sainsbury’s Winemakers’ Selection, Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, South Australia (£6, Sainsbury’s) is a good match for sizzling burgers. An easy drinking cab sav with just enough fruity, wild berry flavours, plummy notes and juicy acidity to balance the palate and stop it being too bland – great for a budget barbie.

Another crowd pleaser that’s affordable, the Co-operative Chilean Merlot Wine Box, Valle Central, Chile (£12.99, 2.25 litres, The Co-operative) is a gentle glugger perfect for larger gatherings. Easy and approachable, with smooth, warm fruit, it tastes great on its own.

Hot, sweet and peppery sauces and marinades cry out for a fresh, vibrant style like Artazuri Red 2013, Artadi, Navarra, Spain (£10.95, bbr.com) to balance the flavours.

There’s a sweetness to the ripe forest floor of black fruits that mingles with spice, liquorice and cocoa.