YOU have got to admire the optimism of some folks. Returning home from work at teatime on Easter Monday, I caught a sniff of burning charcoal nearby.

The sun had been shining for most of the day but then the clouds arrived and the threat of rain. However, with temperatures soaring into the low teens it was perhaps inevitable that some hardy soul would decide it was a good idea to have a barbecue.

As May is just around the corner, it is not inconceivable that the weather might soon become appropriate for al fresco grilling. Although don’t make any such plans for National Barbecue Week, which starts on May 26, as this is always the wettest week of the year.

I have chosen wines with barbecues in mind this week as I note that not everyone is happy with a six-pack of Aussie lager from the corner shop.

An Aussie riesling is a good place to start though, as a partner for fish, chicken or salads. Wakefield Estate Riesling 2012 is a bright and flavoursome example from the Clare Valley. It is crisp and bone dry, with pronounced lime and lemon flavours, mineral notes, a lick of honey and just a hint of kerosene.

For a lighter style of red that can be served chilled and will match with a wide variety of barbecue grub, in particular sausages, try Klein Zalze Cellar Selection Gamay Noir 2012. It is a South African take on the Beaujolais grape. With velvety tannins and a racy acidity, it delivers cherry and raspberry fruit in bucketfuls, with some spicy highlights.

Or head to the Yecla region of south eastern Spain for a full-bodied red made from the monastrell grape, also known as mourvèdre.

Bodegas Castaño “Hécula” Monastrell 2011 is impressively smooth, with up front flavours blackberry and plum, vanilla, spice and some well integrated smoky oak. It would go well with burgers or steak.

Wakefield Estate Riesling 2012, Clare Valley, £7.99 down from £11.99 at marksandspencer.com 18/20

Klein Zalze Cellar Selection Gamay Noir 2012, Coastal Region, £8.63 from amazon.co.uk 17/20

Bodegas Castaño “Hécula” Monastrell 2011, Yecla, £8.95 from Slurp.co.uk 18/20