Drink Up
with David Setley
Despite what the calendar says, Memorial Day is the unofficial beginning of Summer – a truth felt by all here at the Jersey Shore. When you think of summer wines, the image of lighter whites, like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio, or rosé wines likely comes to mind. No question, these wines have a place on your summer table, but for the next few minutes, let’s explore other options.
For those of you who have been to one of my wine events, you know that my favorite way to start any occasion is with a cold, crisp welcome wine. Sparkling wines make great summer welcome wines, are produced around the world, and are sold in a variety of prices that fit any budget. You can’t go wrong with a Champagne from France, although they can be on the pricier side. For a more budget-friendly, yet delicious option, consider Cava. Cava is the sparkling wine produced in Spain. (If you didn’t know, only Champagnes produced in the Champagne region of France may bare that name; sparkling wines from other countries carry other monikers.) The Naveran Cava 2021 from the Penedes wine region near Barcelona is made from organic grapes. It has flavors of tree fruit with a lovely, creamy mouthfeel that pairs perfectly with shellfish and cheese platters. Or, try Italy’s contribution to sparkling wines: Prosecco. The Brilla! Extra Dry Rosé Prosecco 2021 is a beautiful addition to any summer event. It has a lovely salmon color, brings the flavors of red berries, yet is unexpectedly dry. There are countless options for bubbles that fit any taste-preference and budget. They’re sure to lighten up your next summer soiree.
For many, summer also 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 Minervois Rouge Sentinelle de Massiac from the Languedoc-Roussilon wine region of Southern France. A blend comprised of three-quarters Syrah and one-quarter Carignan, this wine is nicely dry with more subtle tannins than you may find in heavier reds. The flavor-profile has fruit that is a touch sweeter and a bit more forward.
Another French option for a Summer red is the L. Tramier & Fils Gamay 2020 from Beaujolais Villages. 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 the L. Tramier & Fils Gamay 2020 is similar to Pinot Noir, but a bit smoother. 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. You won’t regret taking this recommendation. It’s an excellent addition to your summer wine list.
Italy also has a number of great reds for summer, but I’d like to emphasize Nebbiolo from the Piedmont region. Nebbiolo is the grape used to make Barolo, the “King of Wines and the Wine of Kings.” Don’t worry, you don’t have to spend a King’s ransom to enjoy this outstanding varietal. Nebbiolo is a medium-bodied red with higher tannins than you might expect for a summer suggestion. However, it has two great characteristics that make it perfect for summer enjoyment: high tannins and high acidity. The potent blend makes for a special and versatile wine that pairs with a wide range of foods. The aroma and flavor of Nebbiolo is classic Old-World with more earth than fruit notes. Piedmont is the region where white truffles are found in the forest floors, and those notes are clearly present in this wine. For meat lovers, you can pair this wine with beef, chicken, turkey, pork, cured meats, or sausage. If you are a fan of duck, Nebbiolo should be your new best friend. If you are plant-based, it is equally veggie-friendly and compliments dishes with roasted garlic, truffle, wild mushrooms, butternut squash, zucchini, cannellini beans, braised leeks, wild rice, and roasted fennel bulb. If you like mushroom pizza, get to know this wine. Try the G.D. Vajra – Langhe Nebbiolo 2021 as a great example of this varietal.
If bold red wines are your preference, there’s no need to stray from them during the summer months. I have two recommendations that are great for summer grilling or sitting around the campfire. California Zinfandel pairs very well with meats or vegetables coming off the grill. The taste is fruit-forward but dry, with bold tannins and low acidity that results in what is often described as a “jammy” feel. The Ancient Peaks-Zinfandel 2020 is my pick. Or, for the Italian version of this grape, Primitivo is the wine for you. I love the Càntele-Primitivo Salento 2019 from Puglia.
I hope this article shows you that there are great red and sparkling wines for you to enjoy in the warm summer months. As always, contact me with any questions at dsetley@passionvines.com, or stop into the store. Until next time, 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.
