Memorial Day just might be the official/unofficial kickoff to the outdoor grilling season. So let’s stick to that theme for three wine reviews.

Today is a day to pause in appreciation, before we get to the wine nonsense. Many of us have known soldiers who have gone and served in different military conflicts. It’s probably more fair to say all of us have known someone who gave up 2-3-4 years of their lives to assure our freedom. Fortunately, a smaller number know soldiers who never returned.

We should never lose site of the sacrifice so few have made for so many!

That message sometimes get lost in all the outdoor grilling and pool openings. But it’s always important to make note.

Now, on to the wines for any good summer day of grilling.

2011 Les Domaniers Selection Ott – This Cotes de Provence Rose’ is a nice one that isn’t hard to find. It has a light floral nose and a light and well-rounded mouth feel that will delight as you plan the BBQ.

The wine is a blend of 70 percent Grenache, 25 percent Cinsault, and 5 percent Syrah. It checks in at 13.5 percent on the alcohol.

This is a sipper you can pound with joy once chilled. It has good mineral and acidity though some folks will like a bit more. This is a great introduction to good Provence pink wine.

Simply put, it’s a wine you want to drink when the sun is shining!

2011 Les Domaniers Selection Ott, $19-mid $20, Vine & Table, Indy,  Highly Recommended.

Chateau Tanunda Grand Barossa 2010 Shiraz – This Australian Shiraz doesn’t clobber the palate like a jar of jam.

The wine had chocolate, smoke and much better balance than many Shiraz wines I’ve tasted. You can taste the complement of nice blackberry to go with the chocolate and dry mouth feel.

It’s not hard to imagine this wine with any beef or even pork you pull off the grill. Any BBQ treatment of beast would go quite nicely with this somewhat understated Aussie wine!

Chateau Tanunda Grand Barossa 2010 Shiraz, $16, Trade Sample, Recommended.

Jack Creek Cellars 2008 Syrah – Paso Robles comes through with consistently great Syrah as well or better than anyone in the U.S. The wine screams steak, BBQ or even a pork chop with some seasoning.

This is rich and somewhat tannic red wine for the serious wine drinker. I loved the elegance of the ripe fruit. The tannins were balanced nicely against the front of the palate but definitely there to work with a serious steak.

It’s great red wine for those who like big California flavors.

Jack Creek Ceallars 2008 Syrah, current 2010 vintage SRP $46, Highly Recommended.