In the Northern Hemisphere, Summer is Here: What Do I Drink? 4 Great Picks

In the United States, summer kicks off with Memorial Day. For me, there's nothing better than starting the long, sunny days of outdoor play and fun than with barbeque with friends. We've been doing it all week long, so I thought it only fair that I share some of the great pairings we've had so you can grab a few bottles and try for yourself if you want!

I know you may be expecting some crazy recommendations, but this year, I'm going very traditional. Are there other cool wines you can try in lieu of these? YES, but sometimes it's great to return to the old standbys.

So without further ado, my top barbeque winners are...

1. Favorite welcome wine: Bubbly

If you've got a wine drinking crowd, you have to welcome them with a glass of bubbles! It's refreshing and fun and reminds people that you don't need a special occasion to break out the bubbly! And if you get wines made in the Champagne method like Cava from Spain, Cremant from France, Cap Classique from South Africa and lots of American sparkling wines that say "traditional method" on them, you'll be able to get something that approximates the original for half or a quarter of the price. 

Oh, and if you're worried about glassware, don't. Although it's better to put bubbles in flutes, in a pinch, a plastic or paper cup will work just fine!


2. Favorite grilling light wine: Chardonnay with balanced oak
I know a lot of people are off Chardonnay that's lightly oaky, but don't knock this combo with grilled food until you've tried it. The extra body and flavor from the oak pairs perfectly with oil-based marinades and the nice char flavor from the grill. This is a great combo with grilled vegetables, chicken, fish, and even some pork. If you do something with lemon or herbs, try one from Burgundy (look for Pouilly-Fuisse or something from the Côte Chalonnaise if you want to save money) for a winning combo -- these wines have higher acid, a mineral kick to them and good citrus and green apple fruit flavors that will be a great complement. The only watch out: some Chardonnays can creep up in alcohol content and be tough to pair with spicy rubs. If spice is in the cards, look for alcohol levels sub-14%.


3. Favorite grilling heavy wine: Merlot or Merlot-based blend
Time to get over your aversion to this amazing grape that comes in so many different styles. Merlot is where it's at for your summer red. More medium-bodied and smoother that Cabernet, and less acidic and more robust than Pinot Noir, Merlot is the Goldilocks choice for summer. Merlot is equally good with grilled burgers or steak in simple marinades or au naturale, as it is with grilled eggplant in a Moroccan spice mix, or with grilled portabello mushroom marinated in olive oil. 

If you get a blend from Bordeaux or elsewhere, look for something with a good Cabernet Franc component (the Right Bank of Bordeaux usually offers this) because the earthiness of the wine seems to play off the char off the grill really well and make everything taste smoother. Again, watch the alcohol if you're doing something spicy. Otherwise, with simple grilled food, grab a bottle from a great area like Walla Walla, Washington and you won't be sorry!


4. Favorite all around winner: Rosé
It's pretty, it's dry, it goes with nearly everything on the table and it's another staple that you should have on-hand all summer for sipping. Yes, it's fresh strawberry, raspberry, and lemon flavors are great alone. And if you get a dry version from France (I just fell in love with Toraine Noble Joué) or ask your wine shop for a recommendation of a dry version from anywhere else, you'll have the perfect wine for chips and dip, appetizers, and even baked beans! If you use lighter sauces or rubs or even something with a little spicy kick, Rosé could pair with fish and chicken on the grill beautifully. 



Have a safe, fun time this Memorial Day and all summer!