A Red-Hot Summer Wine List
It's summertime, and the living is easy. But if you're a hard-core, big-red drinker, the July and August heat can sometimes make your wine choices a little challenging. Here's our red hot summer list.
DONELLI Lambrusco di Sobara non vintage (Emilia-Romagna, Italy) $15
When you want a little bit of bubble, dark and lush lambrusco should be your pick. It's cool and sparkly, dry with red berries aromas, and a hint of cola. Pairs well with sunshine and summer heat.
AFROS Vinhão 2009 (Vinho Verde, Portugal) $15
You've probably tried white vinho verde, but perhaps not red. This extremely dark plum-colored red is fresh, tart, spritzy and fruity and best served chilled.
CHATEAU SEGONZAC 2011 (Blaye Cotes de Bordeaux, France) $20
A perfect breezy bordeaux when steak or chicken is on this grill. Has with notes of ripe black plum and dark berry fruit. It's priced right for a crowd, too.
CARUSSIN ASINOI Barbera d'Asti 2011 (Piedmont, Italy)$17
This is the wine for your summer cheeseburger or hot dog hot off the grill. It's got a hint of smoke and notes of plum, and it's just plain delicious.
LITTLE J Red 2010 (Western Cape, South Africa) $9
Priced right, this refreshing mostly merlot blend comes from Paarl, South Africa's most important wine region. It is perfect for sitting on a blanket on a warm summer day. This wine pairs with any summer fare and holds up against hearty meats, but also works as a stand-alone.
ZIN 91 Old Vine Zinfandel 2011 (Paso Robles, Calif.) $12
It would be a bold move to put this in the cooler for the beach, but a perfect match for an evening of grilling ribs.