As the unofficial start of summer, Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time of the year to start popping open those great summer wines. Think wines that pair with sunshine, BBQs and waterfront views… At different price points and flavor profiles, we have something for everyone and every plate this summer.
So, light the grill and get ready to pour the wine, and read on for our Memorial Day weekend wine guide!
Pairs with waterfront settings
Core: Lot 33 Rosé, Languedoc France
Reserve: Lot 132 Côtes de Provence Rosé, France
Sparkling: Lot 197 Prosecco Rosé, Italy
We’re #RoséReady to dip our toes in… Whether waterfront means your backyard pool this summer, or you’re laying down a beach towel in the sand, grab a glass of our dry-yet-fruity Lot 33 Rosé or fresh and bright Reserve Lot 132 Cotes de Provence Rosé. These rosé wines come from Southern France and are basically summer in a bottle.
If sparkling wine is what you gravitate towards, you can't go wrong with Lot 197 Prosecco Rosé from Italy. Summertime should be "bubbly" after all!
Pairs with BBQ and grilled meats (sweet & smoky!)
Classic: Lot 162 Cotes du Rhone, France
Reserve: Lot 94 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA
Barbecue and grilled meats can be on the peppery and smokey side, so we have two wines that would suit pepper and smoke perfectly. If you're looking for an excellent value that would please all of the red wine drinkers at the barbecue, you can't go wrong with Lot 162 Cotes du Rhone from France. Lot 162 is a classic Rhone blend of Grenache and Syrah, and while it's complexity will have you reaching for the bottle for another pour, it will not take away from the smokey and spicy complexities of the grilled meats.
Another great option that we recommend would be Lot 94 Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley. This full bodied red will help enhance the smoke even further.
Pairs with fish (raw & grilled!)
Classic: Lot 170 Muscadet Sèvre et Maine, Loire Valley, France
Classic Reserve: Lot 130 Russian River Valley Chardonnay, California
In the summertime, not only do we enjoy fish off the grille, we also enjoy slinging back freshly shucked oysters and shellfish. So again, two wine options for either choice. Raw Oysters? Look to Lot 170 Muscadet Sevre et Maine. It’s a fresh, racy and citrus-driven white that was made to pair with warm nights and freshly shucked oysters.
We know not everyone likes raw fish, so if you’re looking for a wine to pair with fish off the grill, like a cedar planked salmon, try Lot 30 Chardonnay. This Russian River Valley Chardonnay will pair amazingly well with a rich fish like salmon. With just the right amount of oak, this wine is the perfect balance for those who love Chardonnay with lot of California fruit, but not overbearing oak.