Summer Rouge
Sometimes, no matter what the season, there’s no substitute for a great bottle of rouge! For those moments, here’s five summertime go-to’s for chillable reds and BBQ pairings.
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir from the Loire Valley, France
Tasting Notes: Supple and soft texture with notes of ripe raspberries, cherries, and strawberries. A hint of licorice touches the finish.
Food Pairings: Perfect for a summer picnic! Serve lightly chilled and paired with a cheese plate.
“For several years, the Sancerre Rouge Cuvée Initiale from Domaine La Gemière has been a staple of our shop and the “house wine” of many of our loyal customers. The reasons are many: it’s easy enough for just a glass but also expressive and interesting at the table, simple but not boring, delicate but incredibly flavorful, and above all, it’s utterly delicious. The Cuvée Initiale is a very honest rendition of Loire Valley Pinot Noir, a classic.” – Germán Calle, GM, Eli’s List
Varietal: 100% Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero, Spain
Tasting Notes: A clean, powerful, and full-bodied wine with elegant aromas. Smooth texture and flavors of cherry, plum, and dried fig.
Food Pairings: Transport yourself to a Spanish terrace, and pair this bottle with cured meats or garlic coquinas clams.
“Since I can’t travel to my beloved Spain this year, I’ll treasure and enjoy its wines here. Among them, our Ribera del Duero from Santa Eulalia. A true expression of Castile y Leon Tempranillo, this is a wine that naturally and ideally pairs with gazpacho, grilled tuna, coquinas clams, or Iberian ham. I can picture myself with family and friends at a nice pintxos bar in San Sebastian enjoying the moment drinking Poinciana.” – Xavier Flouret, Creator, Xavier Flouret Wines
Varietal: 100% Gamay Noir from Fleurie, Burgundy
Tasting Notes: Elegant and aromatic with notes of raspberry, strawberry, and a touch of violet. Velvet smooth tannins and fleshy texture.
Food Pairings: A versatile, great fit for anything on the menu from grilled tuna to soft cheeses and smoked meats.
“I simply fell in love with our Fleurie parcel exposed on the northeast of our unique Burgundy terroir at a high altitude. The slow extraction of the tannins and strict temperature-controlled fermentation guarantees an aromatic delicacy that results in an elegant Cru Beaujolais full of life and personality.”
– Tristan Larsen, Winemaker, Château Bellevue
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir from the Burgundy, France
Tasting Notes: Fresh, bright notes of strawberry, cherry, and blackcurrant aromas pop out of the glass at first whiff. Soft, round mouthfeel.
Food Pairings: This crisp Pinot Noir is perfect for lighter fare and on the grill – cedar plank salmon, or tuna steaks.
“When we tasted the Andre Montessuy Bourgogne, I knew Xavier had brought us another gem. This Pinot Noir compliments such a wide array of our menu, yet is still easy drinking on a beautiful summer afternoon!”
– Daniel Britts, Clubhouse Manager, The Tuxedo Club
Varietal: 60% Syrah, 20% Grenache Noir, 20% Carignan from Languedoc, France
Tasting Notes: A voluptuous wine, full of fresh red fruit flavors. A meaty structure, but gentle and smooth on the palate.
Food Pairings: This has the structure to hold up well with bigger dishes like burgers, grilled steaks, and fried foods.
Wine & Spirits called this “a terrific summertime red for barbecues and outdoor dinners.” It’s powerful but fresh, making it the perfect partner for alfresco favorites like grilled burgers, BBQ wings, or a sizzling slice. “It’s always a customer favorite. I love to bring a bottle home and pair it with my husband’s homemade pizza!”
– Hortense Bernard, GM, Millesima USA