It’s mid-summer! Time for picnics, clam bakes and barbeques which also means lots and lots of wine! But which wine should you select for your favorite summer events? I spoke with our winemaker, Mark Schabel, to see what he recommends for classic summer party food.
Traditional picnics evoke thoughts of lazy, hot days relaxing with easy-to-pack foods like pasta salad, watermelon and chicken salad sandwiches. Such light fare requires a light and crisp accompanying wine. A bright sweet wine like Juliet should keep you cool and refreshed. Serve it chilled and it will pair nicely with a variety of picnic-friendly foods.
Up next is the clam bake. Classic clam bakes start with ocean treasures like lobster, mussels, crabs and clams. The seafood is often accompanied by sausages, potatoes, onions, carrots and corn on the cob. Usually, a light seafood dish is perfect with Pinot Grigio, but with the sausage and onions, our winemaker suggests a wine with a fuller body style and a little spice. Angry Wife White should do the trick. This bold wine will happily compete with a pot full of fruits de mer. For an added kick, use Wildly Delicious brand Horseradish tarragon aioli as a topping. It’s $10.00/$8.00 for Wine Club Members in the Ponte Marketplace.
Just in case you red wine lovers thought I forgot about you, have no fear, the season of Barbeques is here! Grilling and summertime go together like peanut butter and jelly. This year, I’m grilling up chicken and ribs with Wildly Delicious brand Cherry Chipotle sauce. It’s $10.00/$8.00 for Wine Club Members and also found in the Ponte Marketplace. The smoky, spicy sauce will pair wonderfully with the mild smokiness and red berry flavors of our 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon.
Anyone who favors sweeter wines (or anyone who is just in the mood for something fun, cool and refreshing) will adore this recipe for Beverino Sangria. Simply mix 50% Beverino with 50% orange juice and sweeten with sugar to your taste. Chop up some oranges, lemons and limes and any other favorite fruits and mix in for a delicious drink. It tastes best when you let all the flavors mingle overnight in the fridge.
With so many summer nights still ahead, come by Ponte and stock up on all your wines to keep the fun going strong!
–What’s your favorite summer wine?
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