Bon Vivant: (n) a person having cultivated, refined, and sociable tastes especially with respect to food and drink.

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Dog Days of Summer Wine Recommendations

Posted in: Bang for Your Buck, Bon Vivant, Drink Well, Porch wine, Rosé, Seasonal Sips, Tried and Trues, Wine Pairing, Wine Recommendations, Wine Reviews

Although we’re coming up on Labor Day weekend, the weather will continue to be warm for the next month or so.  Here in DC, we’re looking at a heat wave!  Here’s what I’ll be drinking:

Sun setting over grape vines, Malibu AVA

Muscadet

A summer favorite, this budget friendly wine from the South of France is light and intensely refreshing.  It’s well-known as a great pairing for seafood and is enjoyable for casual patio sipping as well.

Bon Vivant DC’s Pick: 2011 Domaine De La Fruitière Petit M ($13)

The tangy acidity and minerality in this Muscadet will make you a convert to this oft-overlooked variety.

Dry Rosé

Although many drink rosé year round (yours truly, included!), it’s often best enjoyed during warmer months. The most popular region for this type of wine is Provence, although they are increasingly being produced in almost every wine region.  They often have red fruit flavors and a bone dry finish.

Bon Vivant DC’s Pick: Montfaucon Domaine Les Gardettes Rosé ($12)

This has been one of my go to summer rosés to enjoy al fresco this summer.  This rosé from the Loire Valley has a wonderful bouquet of peach blossom and raspberry.

Bubbly

I know this is a common recommendation on the Bon Vivant Blog, but if you’re anything like me, any excuse will do to enjoy a festive glass of bubbly!  It’s refreshing, pairs well with a variety of foods, and is perfectly acceptable to drink before noon on your Monday off!

Bon Vivant DC’s Pick: Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs ($40) & Biutiful Rosé Brut Cava ($13)

In the wake of the recent earthquake, show Napa some love with this superb bottle of bubbly.  I’m partial to the Blanc de Noirs, but this established bubbly house produces outstanding bubblies from a variety of grapes.

For a more budget friendly option, look to Cava from Spain- equally delicious and usually lighter on the wallet! I like Biutiful’s brut rosé.  Made from 100% Garnacha, this easy drinking bubbly has lovely red fruit notes and a bone dry finish.

Spanish Reds

For those who will be grilling out this weekend, Spanish reds are a great pairing with Barbeque and other grilled meats.  They are slightly spicy, fruit forward, and balanced out with an old world, earthy quality.

Bon Vivant DC’s Pick: Ladrón de Guevara ($12-$30)

A spicy Tempranillo from Rioja fits the bill!  Their cosecha will set you back a mere $12, while their Reserva can run about $30.  The younger the wine, the lighter and more fruit forward it will be.  I generally like to drink their middle ground- Crianza, which runs about $17.

California Zinfandel 

This is another classic pairing for those who will be manning the grill this Labor Day weekend.  California comes through again with this fruit forward and zesty red wine. (Just steer clear of the much maligned white Zinfandel!)

Bon Vivant DC’s Pick: 2012 F. Stephen Millier Angel’s Reserve Zinfandel ($20)

This classic producer from Lodi consistently puts out quality Zinfandel with jammy fruit and a hint of smokiness that will pair great with anything char-grilled.

What are your Labor Day Weekend Plans?

cheers

 

 

 

 

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