June 5, 2020
D here to give you all the tips and tricks to pairing our Summer Stock-Up with some of your favorite Summer foods!
Wines that are COLD: Rosé
Hot summer days mean: watermelon, floating the river, swimming at the pool, and drinking rosé by the gallon. Cool off with something cold in your glass, and this year, spring for something more flavorful than the could-be-pink-water versions of this modern classic. Rosé wines from grapes like Sangiovese (queen grape of the Italian version of this wine, rosato) can bring more robust flavor and leave you believing you just drank wine instead of H2O. Still refreshing and perfect for the pool, drink a more medium-bodied rosé this summer for notes of strawberry, white peach, and even ripe orange. And don’t forget to get it cold… really cold.
Try: 2019 William Chris Vineyards Sangiovese Rosé, Alta Loma Vineyard
Pair with: A long day boating on the lake & Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze
Wines that are REFRESHING: Whites with Elevated Acidity
What’s lemonade got to do with wine? Well, when the sun comes out and the temperatures go up, it’s natural to crave something tart and refreshing in your glass. Lemonade and wine both have elevated acidity that 1) gives a tart citrus note to the beverage and 2) refreshes and cleans our palate, making us come back for more. As kids we might’ve set up lemonade stands, but as adults we should be drinking crisp white wines. These (typically) lower alcohol wines are great for picnics, front porch drinking, and brunch in the sun. Higher acidity white wines with notes of lemon, lime, and a crisp, mouthwatering finish keep you coming back for more.
Try: 2019 William Chris Vineyards Mary Ruth
Try: 2018 William Chris Vineyards Marsanne, One Way Vineyard
Pair with: Front porch sittin’, readin’ new paperback page-turners, & Grilled Chicken Fajitas
Wines that are FUN: Sparkling
Summer is for celebrating and having fun! School is out and there’s an abundance of sunshine. We need wines that are juicy, fresh, and prime for celebrations. So leave the office early on a Friday or spend a three-day weekend with friends, but either way, celebrate by bringing some bubbles with you. Sparkling wine, especially sparkling rosé, is great with food -- it’s the summer fizz you won’t be able to put down. And let’s be honest, everyone loves the person who brings bubbles to the paraty: be memorable this summer.
Try: 2019 William Chris Pet Nat Sparkling Rosé
Pair with: Fridays, birthday parties, & Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
Wines that PAIR with what we’re eating: Chillable Reds
Backyard grilling is the name of the game in the Summer: hamburgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers, and even some delicious BBQ ribs. All these smoke-flavored delights go incredibly well with light red wine. And while it might seem odd to some, light red wine is best served with a slight chill. Throw it in the fridge for 30 minutes before you open it, and experience why the French (who have been chilling their light reds for decades) take so much time off from work in the summer. The smokey, savory, grilled goodness on your plate will pair perfectly with these food-friendly reds that have tart red fruit flavors of cherry and raspberry.
Try: 2017 William Chris Vineyards Cinsault, Lost Draw Vineyards
Pair with: July 4th grill-out in your backyard & Grilled Angus Bacon Cheeseburgers