Drink Up!
Happy Summer at the Jersey Shore! Summer officially comes to the northern hemisphere on the day of the summer solstice, which occurred on June 20. When you think of summer wines, you likely picture rosés or light white wines, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Although those wines certainly have a place at your summer events, let’s explore some of the red wines that also deserve a place on your shopping list.
For many, summer means grilling season. Grilled chicken, fish, or vegetables can be overwhelmed by heavy red wines or those with higher tannins. However, lighter and medium-body reds can do very well with a summer menu. Consider the Sincronia Negra Mesquida Mora from the island of Majorca in the Balearic Island of Spain. This red blend is comprised of Callet, Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Sincronia is a dry red with more subtle tannins than you may find in heavier wines. The flavor profile is the fruit of red and black raspberries with just a touch of peppery spice. The label depicts an island theme with a colorful lighthouse and a seabird flying by. Check this one out as a great wine for summer grilling.
Another great Spanish red for summer is Garnacha. Garnacha is a widely planted red grape from the Calatayud region of Spain. Try the Breca Breca Garnacha made from 100% Garnacha de Aragon, the world’s oldest clone of this grape. This dry red wine features ripe red fruit flavors with notes of citrus and spice. It’s perfect for your next grilling adventure.
A summer red option from France is the L. Tramier & Fils Moulin-a-Vent from the Beaujolais. I have written about my love of Gamay wines in previous articles, as it is a varietal that is extremely underrated but worthy of your consideration. There is more to Beaujolais wines than the Thanksgiving Beaujolais Nouveau! The lighter body and acidity of this Moulin-a-Vent Gamay is similar to Pinot Noir, but is a bit smoother and a touch fruitier. The aroma has tones of dark fruit, violets, and soil. The flavor is currents and black raspberries with that distinctive French earthiness. The tannins are relatively light, allowing this wine to pair well with anything from salmon or tuna to chicken, pork, or grilled or roasted vegetables. Another outstanding region of Beaujolais is Fleurie. Try the Arnaud Combier Fleurie. The flavors of this Gamay wine are darker and richer than other Beaujolais wines, making a great pairing for grilled steaks and other red meats.
Pinot Noir is also an excellent summer choice. Bourgogne, or Burgundy if you prefer, is the birthplace of this noble grape. Vincent Girardin is an excellent winemaker from this region, and his Girardin Bourgogne St. Vincent Rouge is a great demonstration of his skill. Pinot Noir may be the most versatile of red wines and pairs well with poultry, lamb, duck, beef, and even fish, such as salmon or tuna.
Another great region for Pinot Noir is Sonoma, California. Winemaker Joel Gott’s new ERSOL Pinot Noir is a perfect example. The tannins are rich but soft, with the flavor of red cherries, raspberries, and notes of black tea and baking spices. The fruit flavors are balanced with earthy soil notes.
The Russian River Valley of Sonoma is also famous for its awesome Pinot Noir wines. The Balletto Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is a perfect example. Velvety dark fruit flavors balanced with light tannins and a light acidity make this one of the best Pinot Noir wines in its price range.
The great red grape of Sicily is the Nero D’Avola. Allumea Wineries blend 70% Nero D’Avola with 30% Merlot to make one of the best pizza/pasta wines. This dry wine is made with organic grapes and is very reasonably priced. The flavor is a wonderful mix of ripe cherries, red berries, and blueberries with a touch of baking spices and leather. The finish is long and stands up to flavorful dishes, such as chicken parmesan or lasagna, as well as traditional spaghetti and meatballs.
Or try the La Gerla Poggio gli Angeli Sangiovese made from 100% Sangiovese Grosso from the Montalcino region of Tuscany. La Gerla is considered one of the top Brunello producers in the Montalcino region, and they make this Sangiovese from the younger organic vines in these vineyards. This complex wine features flavors of red raspberries, currents, pomegranate, and red cherries with a hint of tobacco leaf and baking spices. It’s great for your summer evening dinner or for the best summer activity: porch-sitting.
My final recommendation for summer red wines comes from one of California’s most well-respected wineries. In my opinion, the two best red grapes produced in the Golden State are Zinfandel (the red variety, not White Zinfandel) and Petite Sirah. The Frog’s Leap Flycatcher California Red Wine is a blend of these two awesome grapes, along with a smidge of a few others added in to round out this summer blockbuster. This is a chillable red wine recommended to be served at about 55 degrees. It is very dry, though with a fruitiness that comes from the Zinfandel and Petite Sirah. This is balanced with the savory depth of Tempranillo and the soft, well-rounded personality of Merlot and Cinsault. This is winemaking artistry at its summertime best. You will be surprised at how complex yet approachable a chilled red wine can be. It is not a sweet wine! It is a dry wine with great fruity notes. This is my top new pick for your summer enjoyment.
There are great red wines for you to enjoy in the warm summer months. As always, contact me with any questions at dsetley@passionvines.com or stop in the store. Until next time, use sunblock and happy wining!
David Setley is enjoying his retirement from higher education as a wine educator and certified sommelier at Passion Vines in Somers Point, New Jersey.
