Summer Reds - Wine of the Week

by Kristine Hansen, Posted Aug 24th 2010 @ 11:00AM

During the summer it's typical to turn to white wines. But what if your preference is for red? Don't fret, there are many options out there for red-wine drinkers once the temperature outdoors turns muggy, humid and stifling. (In other words, we won't force you to down a deeply acidic white like Sauvignon Blanc or Moscato d'Asti!)

Generally, you should look for lighter-bodied reds that still have some complexity (spices and bright fruit) and will pair well with barbecued meats and fish, or salads incorporating summer vegetables.

Find our six summer red recommendations after the jump.

2006 Jean-Marc Depres Domaine de la Modene Cuvee Prestige Fleurie, Beaujolais Villages, France (varies)
The notes of chocolate and cola on this lighter-bodied wine, made from Gamay grapes, are a delight. Intense fruit (ripe red cherries) brings a bit of brightness and the finish lingers on the palate.

2007 Taz Vineyards Syrah, Goat Rock Vineyard, Santa Barbara County, California ($28)
This might be a red wine to pull out on a cooler night, when the temperature suddenly dips into the low 70s or even lower. Concentrated blackberry fruit is laced with milk-chocolate notes and there is just enough black pepper and spice on the finish for you to sense it -- but it doesn't overpower. Consider this a lighter-bodied alternative -- but not too light -- to a bold, brassy, Barossa Valley (Australia) Shiraz. Week snobs might like to know that Goat Rock Vineyard is just up the road from the famed Bien Nacido Vineyard.

2009 Georges duBoeuf "Morgon," Burgundy, France ($20)
Rich with ripe red cherries and blackcurrant flavor, there is also an element of smoke that's intriguing. Finish is soft until a burst of fruit and slight tannins. This Beaujolais wine -- made from Gamay grapes -- would be a good one to pull out with summer salads containing vinegar or pepper, as it will hold up to that quite well.

2008 Torii Mor Winery Dundee Hills Select Pinot Noir ($40)
Cinnamon on the nose cruises through to a very light, almost delicate, body before swooping into a finish with soft, velvety tannins. While many Pinot Noirs -- particularly those from Sonoma and Napa -- are full of concentrated fruit flavors, this Oregon pick is a bit more savory and not as heavy.

2008 Schug Carneros Estate Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, California ($24)
On this wine is a smoky, herbal nose that is really intense -- almost like barbecue sauce -- that carries through to the finish. Light in body, this is still a wine that's very concentrated with cranberry notes and some traces of strawberry. It would be a perfect match for barbecued meals or grilled fish as it would cut through the heavy flavors in those dishes. Or anything slathered with barbecue sauce and dropped on the grill!

2008 Georges duBoeuf Fleurie Beaujolais, France ($20)
A floral bouquet and intense, ripe red-cherry notes are what we love about this wine. But we also love the floral qualities throughout; you can almost visualize the violets and roses on the nose. For a fruit salad or a slice of berry pie this would be a wonderful culinary marriage.

Filed Under: Drinks
Tags: featured, red wine, RedWine, summer red wine