by Jolene Hart
"Hold summer in your hand, pour summer in a glass, take a great sniff of the wine and change the season in your veins by the simple expedient of raising the glass to your lips and tilting summer in." Ray Bradbury's words in his 1957 novel Dandelion Wine perfectly recall the romance and anticipation of welcoming the arrival of warm weather with wine. Summer wines are a breed apart: they're shared at cookouts and picnics, they're celebratory at graduations and weddings and they're more prized for their refreshment now than at any other time of the year. Do you know what you'll be drinking this season?
At A Picnic, Think Pink
For fans of Rose, the arrival of summer signals the return of pink. In recent years the popularity of Rose, a wine either made entirely from red grapes or blended from red and white, has skyrocketed, making it a safe choice to please a crowd. Perfect for an outdoor picnic of cold sandwiches, Gourmet recommends the French Domaine de L'Estel 2008 Vin du Pays du Gard Rosé ($16/1.5L), packaged in an airtight bag within a box that's neat and portable. Gourmet calls this grenache and cinsault blend "light, fresh" and "the sort of wine you want on a hot day with a ham sandwich." We'll take it!
Best For BBQ
You never know what wine your guests will prefer, so plan to have a variety at your summer barbecue or dinner party. Food & Wine praises the pairing of ‘oak and smoke' for summer. The oaked sweetness of a California Chardonnay, like the citrusy 2006 Kali Hart Chardonnay from Talbott Vineyards ($14), is ideal with smoky dishes prepared on the grill, from scallops to grilled cheese. Burgers, however, suggest a different wine variety. Pair a straight-off-the grill burger with a rich, peppery red like a 2006 Zinfandel from Ravenswood Napa Valley ($15). Remember to slightly chill this red wine before serving to allow its bold, tart notes to blend with the chargrilled burger flavor while staying refreshing.
To Sip On A Summer Evening
For something old that's new again, try Chablis. Wine experts are rediscovering Chablis, with particular excitement around the excellent 2007 vintage. While Chablis comes from a Chardonnay grape, it lacks an oak taste altogether. Instead, it's known for its chalky, crisp or zingy finish that pairs well with oysters, cold salmon, crab or poultry. Eric Asimov of The New York Times recommends a Fèvre 2007 Champs Royaux Chablis ($25) "with mineral flavors…along with a bit of lemon, honey and herbs." It's refreshing on a hot evening with a cool supper.
Reason To Toast
Have a reason to celebrate? Why not toast to summer itself? This summer, find an occasion to break out a sparkling wine like France's NV Bollinger Special Cuvée Champagne ($75). "People think Champagne is a delicate start to a meal. But Bollinger is yeasty and brawny enough to pair with roast chicken or even with steak," says Hugh Acheson, one of Food & Wine's Best New Chefs of 2009, as well as a wine shop owner. You heard it here: those bubbles aren't limited to dessert. Pop the cork, pour a round and "change the season in your veins."
"Hold summer in your hand, pour summer in a glass, take a great sniff of the wine and change the season in your veins by the simple expedient of raising the glass to your lips and tilting summer in." Ray Bradbury's words in his 1957 novel Dandelion Wine perfectly recall the romance and anticipation of welcoming the arrival of warm weather with wine. Summer wines are a breed apart: they're shared at cookouts and picnics, they're celebratory at graduations and weddings and they're more prized for their refreshment now than at any other time of the year. Do you know what you'll be drinking this season?
At A Picnic, Think Pink
For fans of Rose, the arrival of summer signals the return of pink. In recent years the popularity of Rose, a wine either made entirely from red grapes or blended from red and white, has skyrocketed, making it a safe choice to please a crowd. Perfect for an outdoor picnic of cold sandwiches, Gourmet recommends the French Domaine de L'Estel 2008 Vin du Pays du Gard Rosé ($16/1.5L), packaged in an airtight bag within a box that's neat and portable. Gourmet calls this grenache and cinsault blend "light, fresh" and "the sort of wine you want on a hot day with a ham sandwich." We'll take it!
Best For BBQ
You never know what wine your guests will prefer, so plan to have a variety at your summer barbecue or dinner party. Food & Wine praises the pairing of ‘oak and smoke' for summer. The oaked sweetness of a California Chardonnay, like the citrusy 2006 Kali Hart Chardonnay from Talbott Vineyards ($14), is ideal with smoky dishes prepared on the grill, from scallops to grilled cheese. Burgers, however, suggest a different wine variety. Pair a straight-off-the grill burger with a rich, peppery red like a 2006 Zinfandel from Ravenswood Napa Valley ($15). Remember to slightly chill this red wine before serving to allow its bold, tart notes to blend with the chargrilled burger flavor while staying refreshing.
To Sip On A Summer Evening
For something old that's new again, try Chablis. Wine experts are rediscovering Chablis, with particular excitement around the excellent 2007 vintage. While Chablis comes from a Chardonnay grape, it lacks an oak taste altogether. Instead, it's known for its chalky, crisp or zingy finish that pairs well with oysters, cold salmon, crab or poultry. Eric Asimov of The New York Times recommends a Fèvre 2007 Champs Royaux Chablis ($25) "with mineral flavors…along with a bit of lemon, honey and herbs." It's refreshing on a hot evening with a cool supper.
Reason To Toast
Have a reason to celebrate? Why not toast to summer itself? This summer, find an occasion to break out a sparkling wine like France's NV Bollinger Special Cuvée Champagne ($75). "People think Champagne is a delicate start to a meal. But Bollinger is yeasty and brawny enough to pair with roast chicken or even with steak," says Hugh Acheson, one of Food & Wine's Best New Chefs of 2009, as well as a wine shop owner. You heard it here: those bubbles aren't limited to dessert. Pop the cork, pour a round and "change the season in your veins."
