Red, White, and Beer

Wondering what to serve while celebrating this weekend?  With the help of What to Drink with What you Eat, here are suggested pairings with traditional, and not so traditional July 4^th grub.  Because sharing a cold one is sometimes the way to go, we’ve added a few favorites to the list, creating our Red, White, and Beer recommendations ~ Happy 4^th!

You should find all of these at large beverage stores, such as BevMo, Specs, and TotalWine - all are under $20

Hot Dogs

RED: A to Z Pinot Noir

WHITE: Seghesio Pinot Grigio

BEER: Anchor Steam

Hamburgers

RED: Smith & Hook Cabernet Sauvignon (especially with cheeseburgers!)

WHITE: about as “white” as you may want to get is Rose – go with any Spanish one

BEER: Abita Amber

BBQ

Any meat with smoky and/or sweet sauce

RED: “The Franc” – Cosentino Cab Franc

WHITE: Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Riesling

BEER: Blue Moon White Ale

Grilled Meatloaf

RED: Plungerhead Old Vine Zinfandel

WHITE: Ferrari-Carano Fume Blanc

BEER: Shiner Bock

Apple Pie

By this time, I’m sure you’ll just want a nice cup of coffee.  If not, a little sherry always goes nice with pie.

More Fun White Wines to Beat the Heat

A refreshing glass of white wine is an excellent way to cool off during the summer.  Last year we shared some of our favorite fun white wines to beat the heat discovered while exploring California wine regions.  Here are a few more of our favorites ~ all under $20, and available at stores like BevMo and Specs.  Grab a bottle, and relax in the summer sun! 

Sokol Blosser Evolution 15^th Edition ($14)

One of my favorite wines this summer.  Intense tropical fruit notes up front, with a nice crisp, clean finish.  Blended from 9 grapes, this smooth, layered white is an excellent food wine, and is great all on its own. 

Conundrum by Caymus ($19)

Silky smooth with a lit bit of sweetness that is mighty tasty.  This California blend pairs so well with so many foods, it’s a conundrum deciding whether to enjoy with a sampling of cheeses, chicken and veggies right off the grill, or all of the above!

Miner Viognier ($20)

Aromatic, creamy with a crisp finish of tropical and stone fruits.  This is an excellent pre-dinner wine to enjoy with appetizers out on the patio, and would pair well with a creamy pasta dish, with chicken or seafood.  This wine is sold out through the winery, so if you find a bottle in your local store, snag it!

Rusack Chardonnay ($20)

Crisp, refreshing wine with flavors of honeydew melon and pear.  Well-balanced with light acidity, and dry finish.  The summer months can be busy, and this is an excellent wine to pair with Chinese take-out!  

Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio ($20)

Dry white wine with hints of apple.  Pack up a picnic ~ this versatile white pairs well with soft cheeses (especially goat), pasta, salads, seafood, even fried chicken!

What wine are you enjoying this summer?

Our Summer Line Up

Naked Grape Pinot Grigio ~ Ready for Spring!

Jeff and Mom enjoying Naked GrapeWith temperatures increasing, and spring just around the corner, the taste buds are starting to crave white wines a little more.  Personally, I like whites that are crisp, light, and refreshing ~ smooth, not too much oak,  with a touch of citrus but not overly acidic.  I look for ones that can be enjoyed on own, sitting on the patio enjoying the late afternoon sun, or with a light meal.  There are several fun white wines to beat the heat, but sometimes you just want an inexpensive treat to keep in the fridge and enjoy any day of the week. 

In a raid of my mother’s fridge, I discovered Naked Grape Pinot Grigio.  This is a very light, crisp wine with hints of citrus, pear, and lemon, with a bit of honey on the finish.  It’s an easy drinking wine that is enjoyable on own.  It would also pair well with a cheese plate (goat, fontina, feta), grilled chicken or fish with vegetables, or a simple salad.  With the touch of honey, it would also pair well with Asian food. 

The best part about this wine is the mass availability and price point.  You can pick up a bottle at your local grocery store at a price under $10.  Check out their website to find where it is sold near you. 

What is your favorite every day white?

Cheers to spring in the air!

Fun White Wines to Beat the Heat

There is no question Chardonnay is at the top of the popularity list for white wines. As the summer heats up, here are a couple of different white varietals to cool off with while hanging by the pool, sitting on the patio, or grilling with family and friends. We discovered these great white wines while exploring California wine regions over the years. The price points are all $15 or less and are fairly distributed. Grab a bottle (or two) and enjoy the summer!

You can find these wines at BevMo and Specs

Ferrari-Carano Fume Blanc ($13)

100% Sauvignon Blanc, 64% stainless steel tanks, 36% older French oak

Cool, stainless steel tank fermentation gives this wine a crisp freshness while the subtle oak character from barrel aging adds great complexity and depth.  This wine has a medium-light yellow color, and has tastes of melon and kiwi, finishing with a splash of citrus. Enjoy with a light salad, herb chicken and vegetables, lightly grilled fish, or even oysters. 

Valley of the Moon Pinot Blanc ($15)

99% Pinot Blanc, 1% Chardonnay, Five months in stainless steel tanks, 12% aged in new and used French oak, 4% aged in French Acacia wood barrels

Rich complex flavors of pear, apple and nectarine.  The finish is lengthy with zesty acidity.  This wine is refreshing, crisp, and very drinkable.  It's light flavor makes it enjoyable with a variety of foods.  Enjoy with a nice chicken salad, or scallops.  It is also a great wine for Sunday brunch. 

Simi Sauvignon Blanc ($12)

95% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sémillon, 100% stainless steel tanks

Very clear in color and full of crisp, clean fruit flavors. It starts with a burst of bright citrus, and finishes with a lemon-lime zest. Enjoy with a light salad, some grilled shrimp, or simply while enjoying sunshine out on the patio or by the pool. 

You can find these wines at BevMo

Seghesio Pinot Grigio ($15)

100% Pinot Grigio, 100% stainless steel tank fermented

Bright nose with flavors of sweet melon, pear and peaches.  The rich and creamy mouthful adds complexity and the firm acidity provides a clean finish.  Enjoy this wine with Asian food, grilled pork chops, or before dinner with gruyere-style cheese. 

Husch Chenin Blanc ($10)

100% Chenin Blanc,100% stainless steel tank fermented

Chenin Blanc is one the most versatile grapes used in the wine industry.  This ‘off-dry’ wine has tastes of tropical fruits, and the acidity gives it a hint of zest.  Even ‘non-wine drinkers’ have been known to enjoy this wine.  It is ideal for picnics, or with a fruit and cheese course.   It would also pair well with seafood or spicy Asian cuisine.