By Nikki Scott
With summer in full swing, you may find yourself trying to pack as many outdoor activities into each weekend as possible. Whether you prefer to stay active or lounge by the nearest body of water, most sunny day pursuits can be significantly improved by having a drink in your hand. While it’s common to reach for a cold beer, don’t discount wine as an ideal option for refreshment.
A carefully selected bottle of white, rosé, or even red can be a delightful way to beat the heat as long as it’s served at the right temperature—think straight-from-the-fridge cold for crisp whites and pinks, moderately chilled for lighter reds, and just below room temperature for medium-bodied reds (save the big reds for autumn!). When pairing wine with your favorite summer diversion, don’t be afraid to experiment. As long as you stick with wines that are high in acidity and low to moderate in tannins and alcohol, it’s nearly impossible to go wrong!
Here are some suggestions to enjoy during some of our favorite summer pastimes:
Picnic:
We enthusiastically recommend dry rosé of Pinot Noir for all of your al fresco dining needs, whether you are in a picturesque park or your own backyard. The quintessential summer wine, rosé is light and crisp enough to be refreshing, and when made from Pinot Noir, it is structured and flavorful enough to stand up to a variety of snacks. It’s perfect for cheese and salumi—add a freshly baked baguette and a couple of mason jars and you’re ready to go. Plus, it looks great on Instagram, so be sure to bring a cute picnic blanket.
Our pick: 2014 J.K. Carriere “Glass” White Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon
Beach Day:
What pairs better with the scent of sunscreen than aromas of tropical fruit? Albariño can express itself in a wide range of styles, and for your relaxing beach day we recommend one that’s bursting with juicy pineapple, mango, melon, and peach flavors. Of course, it works just as well as the pool when you want to pretend you’re at the beach. Enjoy Albariño while cooling off between dips in the water, or sip while sunbathing.
Our pick: 2014 La Marea Albariño, Kristy Vineyard, Monterey County, California
Fishing:
If you’re planning to eat what you catch, the briny, zingy acidity of Muscadet will put you in the right state of mind for seafood consumption. Not to be confused with Muscat, this white wine made from the Melon de Bourgogne grape at the western end of the Loire Valley is anything but sweet. Even if you plan to throw back what you catch, you’ll surely be inspired to head to the nearest oyster bar after a day of sipping these light, crisp, and slightly saline wines.
Our pick: 2015 Jo Landron Domaine de la Louvetrie Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine “Amphibolite”, Loire Valley, France
Hiking:
Whatever the terrain, after a long, sweaty hike, you’ll want to hydrate with something extra-refreshing. You may be tempted to crack open a beer, but hear us out: low in alcohol and lightly effervescent, Vinho Verde will instantly revitalize you with its racy lemon-lime flavors and mouthwatering acidity. Think of it like a sports drink that will give you a buzz.
Our Pick: 2014 Aphros Vinho Verde Loureiro “Ten”, Vinho Verde, Portugal
Barbequing:
It’s no secret that we love a good chilled red in the summer, and Beaujolais is a classic for serving below room temp. Juicy and fruity, these light, fresh, unoaked reds made from the Gamay grape can pair with grilled anything—from meat to fish to vegetables—and are perfectly delightful on their own. If you’ve always associated this French wine region with soda-pop-sweet Beaujolais Nouveau, expand your horizons and choose a Cru Beaujolais, from one of the ten top quality villages in the region.
Our pick: 2014 Domaine Diochon Moulin-à-Vent Vieilles Vignes, Beaujolais, France
Camping:
When the temperature dips at night, you’ll need something a little heartier to wash down your s’mores. The naturally smoky and earthy flavors of Syrah pair perfectly with a roaring campfire. Choose one that’s on the lighter side in terms of alcohol to keep it bright and fresh for summer. There’s no need to chill this if you’re piling on the layers to stay warm, but it certainly wouldn’t hurt to toss it in the cooler for 10 or 15 minutes before opening.
Our pick: 2014 Broc Cellars Santa Lucía Highlands Syrah “Cuvée 11.9”
