Since we are in the midst of the most summertime of holidays, what wines are you drinking this year for the summer?
- posted
16 years ago
Since we are in the midst of the most summertime of holidays, what wines are you drinking this year for the summer?
I drink about the same wines in summer as in winter unless drinking them outdoors, which I seldom do - too hot here and too many insects such as wasps, bees, and hornets that are attracted by many wines. Since I keep the temperature indoors about the same in summer as in winter, I find little need to shift what I eat and drink from season to season. Also, these days, there is little change in food supplies from season to season, since much fresh food is imported from South America, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, etc. when it is off season in the US and Canada.
Right now? A Portuguese Famega Vinho Verde (slightly alcoholic soda pop) and a Bridlewood Viognier.
I am increasingly fond of white wines -- the lighter ones, for summer. Sauvignon Blanc, Portuguese Vinho Verde (TERRIFIC sale at Bottle King, although not a huge selection, here in NJ right now), sometimes a Pinot Grigio, once in a while even a Riesling Kabinett. These go well with summery salads and light foods.
YMMV.
Jay
We drink the same wines across seasons in spite of living in New England. My wife and I prefer full-bodied reds although full-bodied whites are always welcome. Last night, we sipped on Dynamite Cabernet Sauvignon ($18), an outstanding mid-range California cab. In whites, we prefer Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
Mike
I do change my eating and wine habits somewhat in the summer. We usually eat on patio as much as possible from April till October (those end months being far iffier); additionally in summer we grill as much as possible so AC needn't fight oven.
Food: We shop a lot at farmers markets, and choose according to what looks good. Plus in winter we are much more likely to go for heartier fare (stews, braises, etc) and root vegetables.
We tend to drink and eat outdoors a lot more in the summer. We have a garden at our farm and take advantage of the fresh produce there and from the Farmers market in the area. We tend to drink lighter styles especially sparklers such as Prosecco, Cava, and Moscato di Asti (I classify it as a sparkler). I tend towards more SB, GV and Reisling and more Grenache, Rose and Pinot Noir.
On the patio -- Prosecco, Muscadet, Sancerre, Riesling.
It's a mixed bag for us. If we are visiting a winery we choose one from the tasting that the tongue says is right for the day. Often a semi-dry white but it does vary.
At home it is whatever we feel like from the on hand supply. Yesterday I had a light bodied Zin in the evening and a Pinot Grigo at lunch.
I have added in a few Verdeho wines and Spanish Roses as well. Both are great values and go well with the lighter summer cuisine. There seems to be a lot more variety in Roses now than in the past. Hadn't thought about Prosecco for the summer but a great suggestion.
We lighten up quite a bit - no more massive Petite Syrah or sinful Zins
- out comes the Vinho Verde Branco - Alianca or Casal Garcia ('bout what we can get, here) and Marlborough SB. Used to favor Kenwood SB, until they started dosing it with Chardonnay to get higher Wine Spectator scores, I guess. A particular favorite Summer wine is Elk Cove Pinot Blanc - all around good. For reds, lighter GC St. Emilions, and lighter local Pinot Noir.
I would drink well chilled Marlborough white from New Zealand and in particular Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc or failing that Jackson Estate.
Judith
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