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Dining Out
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Summer is finally here! I am gra- ciously welcoming these longer and warmer days by spending more time outdoors. Whether I’m working in the garden (or watching other people work in the garden), exercising outside or just spending time with friends and family on the patio, I’m happy to be spending more time outdoors. The first thing I notice when I’m outside are the transcending scents of summer – blooming flowers, fresh cut grass, and the lingering aroma of a neigh- bor’s grill teasing my senses. My mouth begins to salivate when I inhale the sweet caramelized aro- mas of barbeque. I have already received a few invita- tions to some summer parties, and of course, I want to bring a great bottle of wine. With so many options to choose from when selecting a great summer wine it’s easy to get overwhelmed. The fol- lowing are three varieties of wine that I plan on sharing with friends this summer – all are perfect pair- ings with summer fare. ROSÉ Whenever someone asks me for the perfect summer wine, my immediate response is rosé. Not only is rosé refreshing and best drunk chilled, but it is also one of the most versatile wines that pairs with many cuisines, like grilled fish, pork, or burgers. Rosés have a wonderful vibrant color that can range from pale salmon to deep pink. Made from red grapes, rosé wines get their fes- tive color from the skins of the grapes being left in contact with the juice for a short period of time. They are less intense than red wine, but have more depth than a light white wine. My recommendation is to drink rosés while they are young and fresh. Rosés come both dry and off-dry (a touch of sweetness), so the best question to ask your friendly wine specialist when pur- chasing a rosé is “Is it dry?” They will help you identify a rosé that best fits your taste. SAUVIGNON BLANC Crisp and clean in style, Sauvignon Blanc is a great wine to pair with simply seasoned dishes like shell- fish, seafood and grilled vegeta- bles. This easy drinking aromatic white wine generally has wonder- ful acidity with citrus flavors and grassy notes. It is my go-to white wine when I host a summer party. You can find refreshing Sauvignon Blancs from all over the world: from Sancerre in the Loire Valley of France to Marlborough, New Zealand. Personally, being a “Napa- phile,” I love Sauvignon Blanc from California. Napa Valley is producing more and more Sauvignon Blancs that rival the best in the world. ZINFANDEL A summer wine recommendation list is not complete without the per- fect red wine. For a wine that stands up to grilled meats lathered with barbeque sauces or home- made marinades, I personally enjoy Zinfandel. Its full-bodied spicy fruit flavors and rich boldness is a per- fect pairing for grilled chicken, beef or lamb. Look for wonderful Zinfandels from the Russian River Valley or Paso Robles in California. As someone who loves discovering wine, it gives me great pleasure to share discoveries with friends and family. Wine is best enjoyed when shared amongst loved ones. I hope these summer wine recommenda- tions will enhance your (or your host’s) party. And like the tran- scending scents of summer, it is the summer memories that we create with friends and family that tran- scend time. Cheers to you, and have a fun and festive summer! GREAT WINES FOR SUMMERTIME By: Gary Fisch Gary’s Wine & Marketplace