June 29, 2009
Five Red Wines to Drink This Summer
As I wrote last week, hot weather often makes people reach for chilly white wines. But there’s no reason to reject reds!
Although most people think red wines taste best at “room temperature,” that’s not as warm as you might think, especially in summer. Between 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for most red wines, and some taste good even colder. Put the bottle in the fridge for a few minutes before serving, or for a fun touch, use frozen red grapes as ice cubes that won’t water down your wine.
Here are some types I like (based partly on a recent Smithsonian Resident Associates tasting with wine educator Kelly Magyarics):
Type: Pinot Noir
One to try: Domaine Chandon Pinot Noir, from the Carneros region of California
Average retail price: $30
Tastes like: Plums, blueberries and pepper
Pairs with: Cedar-planked grilled salmon, orange-glazed seared duck breast, BBQ chicken, lentil salad.
Type: Malbec
One to try: Trivento Select Malbec, from the Mendoza region of Argentina
Average retail price: $12
Tastes like: Dark berries, pepper and cocoa
Pairs with: Peppercorn-crusted beef, BBQ ribs, pizza with spicy toppings, Caprese salad.
Type: Cabernet Sauvignon
One to try: Solaire Cabernet Sauvignon Central Coast, made with Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from three of Robert Mondavi’s vineyards in California
Average retail price: $15
Tastes like: Blackberries, plums and vanilla
Pairs with: Grilled ribeye steak, lamb kebabs, hard cheeses.
Type: Beaujolais
One to try: Louis Jadot Beaujolais Villages, made with Gamay grapes from the Beaujolais region of France
Average retail price: $11
Tastes like: Strawberries, licorice and pepper
Pairs with: Hamburgers, grilled fish or chicken with Cajun spice rub, mild to medium cheeses.
Type: Rosé
One to try: Toad Hollow Eye of the Toad Rosé, made with Pinot Noir grapes from California’s Sonoma Valley
Average retail price: $10 (2007 vintage)
Tastes like: Strawberries, watermelon with a slight zing of citrus
Pairs with: Fried chicken, hot dogs, sushi, melon balls…pretty much anything!
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I know I am prejudiced – but I love the Rose!!! It is the wine I drink the most. Thank you for the mention on your blog. While dry roses are now becoming very popular, we have been doing one in this style for over 10 years. BTW, I have a brother-in-law who works for the Smithsonian – Bill Borak – do you know him? I used to live in the DC area many many years back and had the pleasure of taking a class at the Smithsonian – kind of a macramay (sp?) art deal (back in my hippie days). Anyway, thanks again. Cheers! Frankie Williams, President, THV
I’ve been a fan of Louis Jadot Boujelais for the last 15 years! It’s wonderful.
I am a big fan of Domaine Chandon still, they also have a great Pinot Meunier (twin brother of Pinot Noir) lighter tannins, super hearthy and nice brown spices…yummy,great for summer bbq! I am in love with that wine.
Can I recommend another? Grenache, slightly chill it in summer. Barossa Grenache http://iwillknow.jesaurai.net/?p=195 is a treat as a BBQ. Or even better try sparkling shiraz again from the Barossa http://iwillknow.jesaurai.net/?p=215 they say we should have it for breakfast. Not really my thing but it is great with ice!! i know that’s criminal but so good.