Wines for Summer's Final Party

Well, it’s here – the ‘unofficial’ end of summer.  True, we still have a few more weeks of warm (OK – hot) weather, but with school starting, those lazy days and weekends are ending.  So plan one more picnic, cookout, or great all-out get-together and bid summer a final adieu.

The Right Wines:

Great parties call for great food and great wine.  White wines have been the mainstay of summer, crisp, light, and mainly chilled.  So let’s send off the season with an eye toward those moody autumnal red wines, with a few whites thrown in for comfort.  Fire up the grill and let’s start pairing!

Burgers and Ribs:

Try a full-bodied red wine, maybe a Zinfandel with some nice tannins, or a Syrah.  The Zin’s fruity and spicy flavors will go well with a burger or ribs. The Syrah has a peppery, plumy flavor that is wonderful with grilled red meats.

Steak or Lamb:

You won’t fail with a Cabernet Sauvignon and steak or lamb; but another great wine that’s often overlooked is Malbec.  The tannins are hearty, the aroma can have hints of plum or tobacco, and the flavor should be fruity.  For lamb burger or chops, Pinot Noir is nice.

Pork and Ribs:

Although I won’t hesitate to pair a red with pork, many still feel more comfortable pairing a white wine with ‘the other white meat,’ especially when entertaining.  If so, then grab a chilled bottle of Gewurztraminer or Chenin Blanc for a nice alternative.  Perfect with chops hot off the grill!

Otherwise, try a Merlot with chops, and a Barbera with grilled pork ribs.

Hot Dogs or Brats

You know someone will ask, so here are some options: A Zinfandel will work well with grilled dogs.  If you’re adding a chili sauce, go for a Beaujolais.  For grilled brats, try a Pinot Noir, or a chilled Riesling.

Chicken and Poultry:

Yes, I know, Chardonnay is the natural answer, but if you adhere to the ABC (Anything But Chardonnay) rule, let’s look at some alternatives. A drier Chenin Blanc will let that grilled chicken flavor shine through. 

Feeling a bit bold?  Pair a Merlot with it, those berry flavors and a spicy finish can make grilled chicken taste amazing.

Seafood:

Pinot Grigio’s crispness goes well with plain, grilled fish or shirmp.  If you’re grilling salmon, tuna or mackerel then pull out a red wine, maybe Pinot Noir or Merlot.

Of course, sauces and sides may affect your pairing, so take a bite of the food and a drink of the wine and see if it works for you.  Remember, wine is subjective; the main point is to celebrate the end of summer with the food, the wines, and the people you love - so Enjoy!

~  Joy

Red, White & Blue – Fruit Wines to Celebrate the Fourth

The Fourth of July is celebrated as Independence Day in the U.S.  It’s the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted, declaring America’s independence from Great Britain. 

It is celebrated throughout the country with BBQ’s, picnics, concerts, festivals, parades, family reunions, and fireworks.  And with numerous gatherings planned, what better time to celebrate your independence from grape wines and try some patriotic fruit wines instead.

Of course, we want to stay with the Red, White and Blue theme, so let’s consider what fruits fit in this category and what foods pair well with them.

Red -

When searching for red fruit wines the options are numerous – Cherry, Cranberry, Strawberry, Raspberry, and Watermelon.  All can be great choices for pairing with 4th of July meals.

Enjoy a Cranberry wine served with roasted (or fried) chicken. Also nice with grilled turkey burgers and BBQ pork.

  

Cherry wine can make pork and ham stand out.  Or for an excellent dessert idea, take a Cherry or Strawberry wine and serve with Cheesecake! 

Strawberry also works well with salmon and salad. Or save for a dessert of biscotti or Baked Brie. 

Raspberry wine is made for chocolate desserts – light or dark. 

Watermelon wine paired with Feta cheese and a salad is amazing.

White -

White fruit wines can include Pear, Apple, Peach, Apricot and Banana. 

A dry Pear wine goes well with seafood and poultry.  A sweeter pear wine works with spicy foods and cheese.

Apple wine goes with cheese dishes, pork, brats, and warmed apple tarts.  Try the spiced Apple wines with pound cake.

Peach wines work well with spicy meals, and don’t forget to pair with Peach Pie alamode!

Apricot wine is a go-to for BBQ dishes and Baked Brie.

Banana wine, (rare, but it exists : ) is great with an Angel food cake or a banana cake.

And Blue -

Those Blue wines might be tough to think of at first, but they are out there.  Consider Blueberry, Plum, Blackberry, Current, and Elderberry wines.

Pair a Blueberry wine with pork chops or steak. 

Plum wines go well with Asian Cuisine or with a hearty steak.

Blackberry wine and roast lamb or duck.  Also serve with hard  cheeses and nuts.

Current wine goes well with beef or pork as a main dish.

Elderberry wine can be served with smoked Salmon or other grilled white fish.

Consider these Food – Wine Questions When Pairing:

Is the food flavor mild or savory?  Is the meal fatty or lean?  Is the dish acidic or rich?  Once you can answer these questions, you can locate a fruit wine that will go well with your dominant dish.  Basically mild wines go with milder foods, and spicy, bold wines will lend more flavors to spicy, robust foods.

Just remember that fruit wines can vary tremendously, depending on how they are crafted and the sweetness.  Be adventurous with your fruit wine parings, and you’ll discover some excellent options along the way.

Have a Happy Fourth and Enjoy!

~ Joy