Summer is a time for get-togethers, and that includes amazing combinations of food and wine. Nothing else raises a party to a new level quite as well or makes a quiet, romantic night even more special. Try one of these warm-weather white or red wine pairings tonight.
CHARDONNAY AND SHRIMP
The grill is a must during those outdoor times, and shrimp adds a delicate touch of class to any gathering. Offset it with the rich, oaky flavor of a California Chardonnay, serve your shrimp skewers with fresh lime wedges for juicing and you will have the perfect light summer pairing.
RIOJA AND BURGERS
Whether you’re cooking beef, turkey or chicken burgers, they are sure to be topped with the season’s juiciest and most flavorful tomatoes. What better way to enhance these robust flavors than with the fruity yet acidic pop of Spain’s Rioja wine? With this duo, you will never think of a burger as ordinary again.
GRILLO AND SWORDFISH
You may not have heard of Grillo, a Sicilian white grape wine with superb hints of mango flavor, but we promise you won’t soon forget how well it compliments the buttery firmness of a perfectly grilled swordfish steak. Bump it up one more step with a side of sweet and spicy mango chutney or salsa, and we guarantee your guests will rave.
Carménère and Steak
Steak is as much a part of summer festivities as burgers or hot dogs, and there are many red wine pairings that work well with it. However, this Chilean red is often overlooked, and that’s a real shame. Nothing brings out the rich, meaty flavor of your filet better than the red cherry and violets that infuse this ruby liquid.
BRATWURST AND LAMBRUSCO
You don’t need to be from the Midwest to appreciate the juicy, savory and spicy zip of these sausages, which particularly lend themselves as much to your summer cookout as they do to your autumn tailgate celebration. While you can’t go wrong by serving them with your favorite beer, they also go surprisingly well with Lambrusco, an Italian sparkling red wine. This light wine’s fruity tang plays perfectly along with the rich saltiness of the bratwurst and is especially tasty with a side of sauerkraut.
GREEN SALAD AND PINOT GRIGIO
Nothing says summer like a light, nourishing and intensely flavorful green salad, particularly if the ingredients are picked right from your garden or, at the very least, bought fresh from the farmer’s market. No matter what lettuces and veggies you add, pinot grigio brings out each and every transcendent taste with its fragrant zestiness.
Whether you’re entertaining that special someone or are overseeing a summer block party, don’t forget how versatile and delicious wine can be. Regardless of what entrees and side dishes you are serving, your favorite bottle can make an excellent drinkable guest at virtually any sultry summer soiree.
