With Memorial Day weekend ahead of us, it’s a time to celebrate the military men and women currently serving, and to remember those who served in the past. For most Americans, this is the official start of summer and a time to fire up those grills for the first time this season.

Beef, burgers, steaks, pork and other summer delights will fly off store shelves as shoppers flock to supermarkets for the long weekend. This includes the obligatory trip to the package store for beer and wine; so what’s out there that will get your holiday weekend off to a great start?

We’ve tasted three red wines all priced at $11.99 that are sure to wash down whatever you serve up to your friends and family with ease. Look out for these barbecue friendly reds on your shopping trip:

1. Block Nine 2011 Pinot Noir

This 2011 Pinot from California has classic tar and smokey, earthy notes with a super light body. Pictured below you can see how light the color is; if you like your Pinot’s a little meatier with cherry notes, this is not for you. Serve slightly chilled and it will go down well with any red meat or pasta salad you can throw at it. Pro Tip: let this one breathe a little longer, about an hour before serving. Full details here.

Block Nine 2010 Pinot Noir

2. The Show 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon

This 2009 California cab called “The Show” really did steal the show for this tasting. It’s supple, smooth mouth feel and slightly sweet flavors you’d expect from a younger cab are superb. Oak spice throughout is not over done- the winemakers did an excellent job here- with hints of vanilla that come through on the mid-palate. A little woodsy, some cigar box, and ultimately Napa quality fruit flavors make this our pick for the weekend. At $11.99 it truly is a bargain that drinks like a $20 bottle.

The Show 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon

3. Agua de Piedra 2010 Malbec

Lastly, for guests that enjoy a little darker grape we’ve included this affordable 2010 Malbec which has a substantial silky body with earthy dark fruit flavors that are sure to please any Malbec skeptic. Dark and inky in color, this wine has flavors of dark plum fruit and licorice. From the makers, “Agua de Piedra is the nickname for our vineyards, situated at the foot hills of the Andes. The soil is so stony that we wonder how the vines find the water to survive.” Priced at $11.99, ABV 13.1%

Agua De Piedra 2010 Malbec

All three of these would be a great choice for this weekend. Below, you can see the depth of color intensity change from left to right; there is something here for every type of red wine lover! Not a fan of red wine? We understand. Check out these three crisp white summer wines from Portugal.

From left to right: Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec

What’s your favorite holiday wine for the start of summer? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter!