I like barbecue just about any time of year, but my cravings really ratchet up in summer, when I can think of a million ways to get a taste of smoky meat with (or sometimes without) sweet and spicy sauce. I like it all — Texas-style brisket with its pink smoke ring (no sauce here, thanks), Kansas City “burnt ends” with a side of deep tomato/sweet-ish sauce, North Carolina-style pulled pork sandwiches with a dash of vinegary goodness, Memphis ribs (’nuff said)… it’s all good. (I’ve even been known to create a quick BBQ fix with some leftover roasted chicken folded into a quesadilla and doused with bottled sauce. Hey, I’m not proud…)

And if I’m looking for a wine to go with (rather than say, a beer) — it’s Zinfandel all the way for me. Zin is rich and spicy and bold enough to stand up to those equally rich, spicy, bold BBQ flavors. Try putting a slight chill on the bottle — say 30 minutes in the fridge before opening. Delish!

Here are a few I’ve enjoyed lately:

Matrix 2006 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley ($45). Big and bold, with deep black cherry, blueberry and chocolate aromas and flavors accented with black pepper, spice and vanilla notes that fold into a long, rich finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Wilson Winery 2006 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Carl’s Vineyard ($32). Full-bodied, with weighty black plum and berry flavors accented with loads of peppery spices and vanilla extract and smoky oak. Long, jammy, spicy finish. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-05-16)

Buehler Vineyards 2007 Zinfandel Napa Valley ($19). Excellent value here on a lovely, structured wine. With layers of aromatic, intense red cherry and berry, anise and smoky black peppercorn that stay bright through the finish. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-05-16)

Magito 2005 Zinfandel California ($18). Liked it! Ripe, certainly, but not overly alcoholic or jammy. With dark cherry and berry flavors accented with toast and a touch of spice. This is my kind of burger wine. A blend of Zinfandel (75%), Syrah, Sangiovese, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-03-19)

Red Truck 2006 Zinfandel Sonoma County ($11). Nice value on a tasty wine, with loads of red cherry and berry flavors, a kick of toasted black peppercorn, and a long, fruity finish. Admirable balance at this price point. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-03-22)