Keep it simple…that’s my rule for summertime dining.
Those velvety dark, big red wines don’t do so well out on the patio when it’s 95 degrees, so I’ve got some fun summer wines for you to try along with some great dishes to pair with them.
First, Sauvignon Blancs – a wonderful hot weather wine that goes great with a variety of summertime foods. There are different styles of Sauvignon Blancs, and the flavors vary depending on where they’re made – cooler weather areas produce crisp and acidic wines with green apple and grapefruit notes while warmer weather areas produce wines that are crisp and acidic but with softer fruits like oranges and melons. Both are wonderful – experiment to see which you like best. There are some good Sauvignon Blancs to be had for $15 and less. Simi Sauvignon Blanc is nice at about $11 at HEB.
Sauvignon Blancs go great with fresh salads piled high with spinach, arugula, fresh veggies…even goat cheese. SB’s also work well with scallops which are always an easy summertime dish to prepare whether you grill them or pan sear them. Chef Bruce Auden, with Biga on the Banks, has a delightful spicy, seared scallops and grits with a pineapple relish recipe on my website that’s really good.
Second, Albarinos. These inexpensive Spanish wines are wonderful with all kinds of seafood and are delightful ice cold all by themselves. Most of the Albarino wines are less than $12.
Next, think ‘pink’ as in Rosé. Rosé wines are perfect for summertime, and they pair nicely with a lot of different foods. Most Rosé wines are not sweet; they’re dry with beautiful raspberry and strawberry bouquets. Their delicate balance between acidity and fruit makes them attractive to drink alone or with a meal.
Rosé wines actually pair nicely with grilled meats, salads and all kinds of seafood. Ever had a rosé wine with sushi? It’s wonderful!
The Fig Tree Restaurant each summer does a delightful Rosé pairing menu. Their chef shares a wonderful recipe for crab stuffed squash blossoms on my site, but I suggest dining on their romantic river walk patio! Rosé d’Anjou at $13 is nice. If you like a hint of sweetness, try Yellow Tail’s rosé for about $8—both at HEB.
Another summertime wine worth your time to explore is sparkling. Champagne (a term ‘legally’ only used for French wines) is a perfect summer wine, and just like the Rosé, you can drink sparklings with just about any food you like or all by themselves. Champagnes are wonderful with French fries, oysters, hamburgers…you name it.
There are a lot of different styles of sparklings from the sweet, lighter ones like Italian Prosecco to the toasty, nutty, dryer wines of France like Taittinger. Cavas from Spain are a nice choice too and usually easy on the pocketbook.
Next time you’re at Zinc Wine Bar & Bistro downtown check out their sparklings by the glass menu. They always have a big selection, so experiment and find the style you like.
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