Seven Great All-American Wines for Fourth of July - Wine of the Week

by Gretchen Roberts, Posted Jun 29th 2009 @ 3:00PM

Photo:
Michael David

Gretchen Roberts writes the wine blog Vinobite, has passed the introductory course at the Court of Master Sommeliers and is studying for her sommelier certification this fall.

With Independence Day just around the corner, we turn our attention to all-American wines for the all-American holiday. I combed through the Slashfood archives to find wines from all around our grand ol' country worthy of an American toast. Here are seven perennial favorites:

7. Before dinner, sip on some New York Riesling like Fox Run Vineyards Dry Riesling.

6. Howdy from Texas: the Becker Vineyards Prairie Rotie is a great barbecue wine, as is the (No. 5) Waterbrook Melange from Washington or (No. 4) Michael David "Sixth Sense" Syrah from California.

Three more grand American vinos and our new poll after the jump.

3. For dessert, sample some Norton (the grape, as well as the wine, are both from the States) from Augusta Winery in Missouri.

2. Most importantly, pop some bubbly to go with the nighttime fireworks, such as the NV Gruet Brut from New Mexico or the (No. 1) Kluge Rose from Virginia.

Three cheers for Independence Day!

Last week, I asked what you thought about tossing ice into your wine. As of this writing, 57 percent think it's sacrilege, 22 percent only put ice in white, 5 percent only ice reds and 15 percent only ice spritzers. Personally, I never do it, because melting ice dilutes the wine and I'd rather just take a few minutes to chill it (and yes, I've been known to throw a bottle in the freezer -- another sacrilege to some!). But if someone wants to ice his wine at my table and he likes it better that way, I say the guest is always right.

Poll of the week: How many sets of wine glasses do you own?
I used to be the proud owner of a set each of red and white. I like Target's Riedel glasses, about $10 apiece and upmarket enough for me. Why? Oh, just that Every. Time. We drink wine on the porch, my 2-year-old knocks one over and into a million pieces.

I'm thinking of switching to beer.

How many sets of wine glasses do you own?
Just one--I like to keep it simple	4 (18.2%)
One red and one white	11 (50.0%)
I have a collection of mismatched glasses picked up at wineries and tastings	5 (22.7%)
I own the full set of Riedel glasses for every varietal invented	1 (4.5%)
Wine glasses, when I can use a straw?	1 (4.5%)