Refreshing Summer Wine Pairings

Summer brings endless sunshine, blue skies, pool parties, al fresco dining, and delicious wine. We were able to enjoy a full range of incredible flavors in our Spring Wine Pairings, but summer just hits differently. While there are some classic and familiar food pairings for rosés, sparkling, and white wines, you may also want to enjoy red wine to mix it up. Lucky for you, it’s fun to pair red wines with summertime foods.

Simply matching the body of the wine to the weight of the food can be a quick and easy way to pair. For example, some familiar pairings are salads with crisp white wines, salmon with a pinot noir, and a grilled steak with Cabernet or Malbec. These are clear winners, but if you want to dive a little deeper into food and wine pairing — I have a few pairing suggestions just in time for summer.



TOMATO AND BURRATA SALAD + PINOT GRIGIO

Nothing signals the start of summer for me like a tomato and burrata salad. While this dish will pair with a variety of white wines, Pinot Grigio is the perfect match. This is a light, refreshing white wine with crisp acidity; it will cut through the fullness of richer recipes or enliven a simple dish. Just be sure to avoid an aged or complex Pinot Grigio.

Perfect Pairing: Sun Goddess Pinot Grigio

This is an exciting wine to try because it is a slightly pink Pinot Grigio, given the short time on the skins. The wine is a little more structured than other examples of this grape.



LOBSTER ROLL + CHARDONNAY

Whether you are beachside or in your dining room eating the perfect lobster roll — chardonnay will enhance this perfect summer dish. Chardonnay has a delicate fruit flavor that has some weight to hold up to the lobster roll but also a light acidity that will enhance the meal. Chardonnay can range in styles from complex and simple, from fruit to floral, but stick with a younger, simple Chardonnay – although no one will blame you for opening a Meursault. Now you just need to decide whether you go for a Maine or Connecticut-style lobster roll.

Perfect Pairing: McBride Sisters Chardonnay

The McBride Sisters is a story worth celebrating. The sisters grew up on opposite ends of the globe and now have the largest Black-owned wine company in the United States. There is a focus on sustainability and social awareness, which has led to quality wine.



FRIED CHICKEN + CHAMPAGNE

One of my absolute favorite food pairings is fried chicken and Champagne. Many wines can overpower the oil, fat, and saltiness of fried chicken, but Champagne is a perfect combination because the acidity and effervescence bring a lightness to this often heavy dish. The combination creates freshness that equals perfection. Try it! You won’t be disappointed.

Perfect Pairing: Telmont Reserve Brut

You can reach for Champagne from Telmont Reserve Brut for its delicate flavors and minerality that will enhance the salty, fried goodness of the chicken. Another great option is a sparkling wine from Limoux made in the traditional method, Faire La Fête Brut.



COBB SALAD + SAUVIGNON BLANC

Salad can be difficult to pair with wine because certain vegetables such as asparagus and artichokes are chlorophyll-driven greens that tend to make wine taste bitter. But don’t despair because reaching for Sauvignon Blancs from around the world can be a perfect choice. You can choose a mineral-driven Sancerre to a more herbaceous New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Just avoid tannic or oaky whites; keep it light and simple!

Perfect Pairing: Stag’s Leap Sauvignon Blanc

Stag’s Leap has a reputation for excellence, and this Sauvignon Blanc will not disappoint. It is a perfect blend of tropical fruit, crispness, and floral that will enhance what is in front of you.



PAELLA + ROSÉ

I don’t know if I am obsessed with the pan or the actual paella, but I love this summer dish. This is a perfect way to wow your guests at a summer party. This paella is with chicken and red peppers, but there are so many variations that will work with rosé: lamb, veggies, shrimp, and the list goes on. Rosé is a versatile wine in terms of food pairing because it can be sipped solo, enhance salad and fish dishes, and can also complement paella.

Perfect Pairing: Sonoma-Cutrer Rosé

California and Provencal Rosés are the perfect pairing options. Try one of these, and you won’t be disappointed: Sonoma-Cutrer Rosé, Rumor Rosé, La Fête du Rosé, and Whispering Angel.



PIZZA + BARBERA

Barbera will win you over with its smooth tannins and easy-drinking style. Pizza and Barbera go hand in hand. Don’t ask questions — just try it! You can add any toppings or make it gluten-free, but Barbera will make every bite better.

Perfect Pairing: Renato Ratti Barbera

This is an Italian red grape varietal grown in Piedmont and is often overlooked for the fashionable wines from the area. This wine is delicious and worth keeping on hand, especially for those pizza nights.

As summer gets underway, let me encourage you to try new recipes and new wine pairings. Whether your quest is to find the perfect pairing or to explore the world of wines — enjoy, relax and sip away. When in doubt, just remember that what grows together goes together!