Choose summer reds that are fruity, flavorful and smooth
Not only is July 4th our nation’s birthday, it is also the official kickoff of high summer.
Entertaining in the backyard, by the pool, or on the beach is a popular way to enjoy New England’s most celebrated season. Food and drink are an important component of these summertime gatherings. Historically, some of the adult beverages that we associate summer celebrations with are beer, margaritas, gin and tonics, dark and stormys, wine coolers, and daiquiris.
That has changed during the past decade. What the industry has realized is that wine drinkers tend to be wine drinkers. Whether it is dining out, cooking in, a formal gathering, or a casual setting, many will always opt to drink wine.
When I was growing up, landlocked in the middle of the state, the backyard menu was hamburgers and hot dogs. On occasion, my Uncle Ray would splurge and we were treated to his 24-hour, beer-marinated chicken. Add a bowl of chips, potato salad, watermelon, turn on the sprinkler and life was good.
Living on the SouthCoast has really changed my summers. Close proximity to the ocean is a luxury, the pace of life is slower, and the food that I have enjoyed at summertime parties has been quite the culinary treat.
Blue crab from the Westport River, Portuguese clam boils, lobster bakes, scallops on the grill, grilled chourico and linguica, and fresh vegetables from local farms are some of the many treats that have graced my plate since moving to the SouthCoast. The diversity, culture, and wealth of resources our region has to offer are proudly served at many summer gatherings.
For various reasons, my contribution to these parties is usually wine. What I find interesting is, I am usually asked to bring red. “We have plenty of white, can you bring some red?” It seems there is a comfort level when it comes to buying summer whites such as Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc, but people seem to get stumped when it comes to red wine in the summer.
The perfect red is one that can not only stand up to grilled meats, but be light enough to pair with swordfish, tuna steaks, and chicken, and refreshing enough for sipping. If a wine is too earthy, or has a lot of tannins, it is going to be too heavy on your palate.
A red wine that is fruity, flavorful, and smooth is going to leave your spirit and your palate refreshed. Many of these lighter style reds can be served chilled. Red wine is traditionally served at room temperature, which in the summer heat can be too warm. When a red wine is too warm, the dominant flavor is alcohol, which is hot on the palate and unappealing. If you chill a red wine, not only will the wine feel cool and refreshing, but the flavors will also pop and the alcohol will be masked.
This is the time of year where you really want to serve affordable wines. The wine is not going to be the focus, so you don’t want to spend a lot of money on something that won’t get much attention. The No. 1 attraction is the weather (we hope). Summer is a celebration for us and being outdoors is the most important factor of our get-togethers, followed by company, fun, food, and drink. There are numerous good quality yet affordable red wines on the market that fit these summer occasions.
The wines I have listed are food friendly, affordable, and would be excellent chilled. However, the options are endless, and I encourage you to talk to the staff on hand at your local wine shop and ask them for suggestions. Most wine shops will have displays showcasing their favorite summertime wines which can also help in making your selection.
Dos Amigos Reserva,$5.99 — A rustic, old world style red from Portugal. A blend of Tinta Roriz, Castelão, and Tinta Miúda varietals, it is dark-colored, fruity, juicy, half-bodied and mellow. What I loved about this wine is many of the American (new world) reds that are smooth and easy drinking tend to have a berry, jammy flavor profile. Although this is a very popular style, there are still those that prefer the European (old world) rustic flavor profile, but want something lighter for the summer. If your backyard food menu is heavy on grilled meats, this is the perfect red. Dos Amigos Reserva is imported by a company located in New Bedford, so it is available at most wine stores in the area.
Harlow Ridge Pinot Noir, $8.99 — Pinot Noir is a finicky grape, making it hard to grow and challenging for winemakers to work with. Therefore, it is a bit more difficult to find affordable yet good quality Pinot Noir than some other varietals. Harlow Ridge is a great Pinot for the money. Classic strawberry and cherry flavors dominate but are balanced by some acid and darker fruit flavors. Even more refreshing when chilled.
Redtree Zinfandel, $8.99 — Not as rustic as the Dos Amigos but heartier than the Harlow Ridge, this Zinfandel offers the best of both worlds. It opens with aromas of chocolate and subtle hints of oak and tobacco in the background. The ripe blackberry and cherry flavors are jammy, with lots of spices and vanilla. Although it is full flavored and luscious, it is still surprisingly refreshing on the palate. This wine is also finished with a screwcap, which is an added convenience in the summer. There is nothing like being at a party and having to chase down a corkscrew to open a bottle.
Happy Independence Day!
As a side note, if it does rain and you need to move your weekend gathering indoors, rent the movie “Bottle Shock.” Based on true events, “Bottle Shock” retells the historical event that put California on the world wine map. This is a great movie for those who not only appreciate wine, but have an interest in American history.
© Southcoasttoday
