5 Wines For The Fourth Of July

Yes, another holiday is upon us, and God forbid I don’t find a way to associate celebration with wine (the two go hand in hand after all).  So without further ado, here is WineExpedition’s list of five wines for the Fourth of July.

2006 Rosenblum “Richard Sauret” Paso Robles Zinfandel When I think of the 4rth, I think barbecue, and when I think barbecue, I think Zinfandel.  They’re generally big, bold, zesty and fruity which is a good match for a zesty barbecue sauce.  Rosenblum has become synonymous with Zinfandel, and this one is made from fruit from Paso Robles, a wine region near and dear to my heart.   This wine is big- full of dark fruit, pepper and vanilla.  The 14% petite sirah that’s mixed in gives it a nice touch of berries.  Normally about 20 bucks, but right now on sale at K&L for for $12.99.  If spicy BBQ is on the menu, pick up this or simillar California zin and you’ll be set.

2008 Etude Carneros Pinot Noir Rosé When it’s hot outside and your at an outdoor cookout, you can’t go wrong with a bottle of  rosé to cool off and get things started.  This one is a good one; light and fresh on the nose and lots of strawberry and berries on the palate.  Crisp, dry and picnic-food friendly.  It averages $17.  Few rosés will cost you more than that, and most are less, so it’s a good call for cooling off and saving a buck at the same time.

Crisp, cold white wines are always welcome this time of year, and this one from Spain is a good call indeed:  2007 Bodegas Angel Rodriguez Martinsancho Verdejo.  Crisp, citrus-y, floral…  Crack a bottle before the sun goes down and enjoy.   Sixteen bucks more or less.  Verdejo grapes are grown mostly in the Rueda area of Spain, so look for another verdejo if you can’t find this one.  Another good bet for a hot day is a Sauvignon Blanc from California, Chile or New Zealand.

Another white option that I’ve been getting into lately is Gewürztraminer , particularly those grown in California.  So on that note, the 2007 Thomas Fogarty Monterey County Gewürztraminer is one that I just my open myself on the 4rth.  Slightly sweet, this one’s loaded with tropical flavors, floral notes and spices, all wrapped up in a nice crisp acidity.  Good with food or good with fireworks;  around fifteen dollars.

I think it’s safe to assume that most of us will be doing some kind of barbecue on the fourth, or at least eating hearty, summertime fare, so another wine that comes to my mind is Syrah (Shiraz if you’re down under), which brings us to the 2007 Strong Arms Shiraz.   Like a zin, syrah’s tend to be big and fruity and thus work well with some bbq’d ribs splashed with a zesty sauce.  This one has berries o’ plenty with spices and earthy notes.  A great glass to have with your burger and to keep sipping when the sky lights up.  $12.

Last but not least, I chose to mention one more white, because when it’s summer time I tend to like to cool down with a glass of white wine.  In LA, it will no doubt still be warm after the sun goes down, so I may be sipping a glass of 2007 Miner Family “Simpson Vineyard” Viognier.  Viognier is another unexpected white wine that delivers lots of interesting floral notes and pairs well with summer food.   This one from California is rich and summery with flavors of peaches and tropical fruit and subtle layers of honey and vanilla.  Again, good with food, but good to sip while watching the fireworks, and about $17.

Whichever wine you choose, enjoy your fourth of July.  May it be safe and sane…