Perfect Wine Pairings for a Summer Picnic
The weather is finally getting warmer and that means one thing: time for picnics! But what wine should you bring? Wine pairing can be tricky but don't worry, we've got you covered. In this blog post, we will discuss the perfect wine for a summer picnic. We'll cover everything from light and fruity wines to earthy and bold reds. So, whether you're packing a basket for two or feeding a crowd, we have the perfect wine recommendation for you!
Light and Fruity Wine Recommendation:
If you're looking for a light and refreshing wine, we recommend a Sauvignon Blanc or a Rosé. These wines are perfect for summertime sipping and pair well with lighter picnic fare like fruits and vegetables. They also have the added bonus of being very versatile - they can be served chilled or at room temperature.
Rosé:
A rosé is a great option if you're looking for something that is both light and fruity. It pairs well with fruit salads or vegetable dishes. We recommend serving it chilled.
Being experts in wine pairing and tasting, we have prepared a highlight bottle of Rosé to share with you: 2020 Domaine de la Croix Belle, Les Champs des Grillons Rose
Introducing the 2020 Domaine de la Croix Belle, Les Champs des Grillons Rosé. This floral and subtly spiced wine is perfect for sunny days. Bright and easy to drink, it's perfect as an aperitif or paired with food. With its excellent value for money, the 2020 Domaine de la Croix Belle, Les Champs des Grillons Rosé is a must-try!
Sauvignon Blanc:
Sauvignon Blanc is another excellent choice for a light summer wine. It has a fresh, fruity flavour that pairs well with lighter dishes. It is also very versatile - it can be served chilled or at room temperature.
The bottle of Sauvignon Blanc we have decided to highlight is: 2020 Domaine de Mont Auriol, Sauvignon Blanc
The Domaine de Mont Auriol has a long and rich history. The Sarret family has owned and operated the vineyards for thirteen generations, producing some of the finest wine in the Herault region. The 2020 vintage of Sauvignon Blanc is an elegant and light wine, with pale green colours and hints of box tree and lemon on the nose. On the palate, this wine is refreshing and citrusy, with notes of pink grapefruit and box tree lemon. It pairs well with seafood or white meat dishes and is the perfect aperitif for any occasion. Try it with corn on the cob for a truly unique and delicious experience.
Merlot:
If you're looking for a bolder wine to pair with your picnic fare, we recommend a Merlot. These wines are perfect for heartier dishes like grilled meats or pasta salad. They also have the added bonus of being able to handle a little bit of heat, so they're ideal for picnics in warmer weather.
We have decided to highlight a Merlot & Cabernet Franc blend known as: 2014 Chateau Fonplegade
The 2014 Chateau Fonplegade is a stunning example of what can be accomplished when perfect grape-growing conditions come together with skilled winemaking. The fruit for this wine comes from centuries-old vine rows in St. Emillion, and it shows in the glass.
This is a deeply purple wine with lots of fruit already showing an appealingly soft roundedness. The tannins are incredibly smooth, supported by wonderful acidity that provides a remarkably long finish. A modest amount of grapes from somewhat younger vines are also used in the blend, adding voluptuous black fruit notes and tannic structure.
This is an absolutely brilliant wine, and probably the best to date from this American-owned Chateau.
Cabernet Sauvignon:
A cabernet sauvignon is a great option if you're looking for a full-bodied red wine. It pairs well with grilled meats or hearty pasta salads. We recommend serving it at room temperature.
We have selected a fantastic Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot blend for you: 2015 Chateau Nouret
Nouret is a 21-hectare estate located in Bas Medoc, on the rise thanks to being purchased by the current owners in 2012. The terroir here is more exposed to Atlantic weather than other appellations, making successful viticulture dependent on vintage conditions.
The 2015 Chateau Nouret is a beautifully balanced wine, with blackcurrant, blueberry, toast, and leather aromas followed by a fresh, accessible palate with impressive structure. It spent 12 months in oak barrels, 30% of which were new oak, providing additional complexity and a plush refined mouthfeel.
This is a great wine to pair with a juicy burger or heavier picnic food.
Parting Words
COVID-19 has put a damper on things these past couple of years, but now that restrictions are starting to lift, it's time to get out there and enjoy the summer weather! And what better way to do that than with a sunny picnic and a fantastic glass(es) of Friarwood wine?
Wine can really make or break a picnic. The last thing you want is to be stuck drinking something you don't like, or worse - having your wine not pair well with the food. Now that you know the perfect wine to bring on your next picnic, all that's left to do is enjoy! So grab a bottle (or two) and some good food, and head outdoors to enjoy the summer weather!
We wish you all a fantastic summer ahead, full of memories and more!
@ Friarwood Fine Wine Team