Fourth of July: Bbq vs White Party
Wine recommendations from Jenny’s wine sommelier, Gabe.
So I asked my sister’s boyfriend, Gabe Sasso to give me two wines options for two different kind of parties. Whether you’re going high or going low, here are your holiday selects.
BBQ Season is here and you’re going to need some wine. Most of us receive invites to lots of parties between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Keep in mind, not every summer blowout is the same. So, it’s worth remembering that when it comes to picking wine too, one size doesn’t fit all. Here’s a look at a couple very different invites you may get this summer and some tips on how to handle the wine for each.
Typically, we’re all on the guest list for a number of classic outdoor cookouts. You know the kind where someone is manning the grill, there’s a table loaded with dips and side salads of all sorts, plus a smaller area stuffed with every conceivable condiment to outfit your burger, hot dog or sausage.
I think of these events as the summer equivalent of Thanksgiving. Let me explain; both Thanksgiving and summer barbecues tend to have a really wide range of different flavors served at the same time. Your plate might have a hot dog, or veggie burger, macaroni salad, Asian slaw, guacamole, slow cooked pork and grilled veggies all squeezed together, to name a few.
You’re outside, it’s hot, and your plate is jammed with a veritable smorgasbord of flavors. What you need is something delicious, refreshing, and in a position to pair with the gamut of flavors. I’m a huge fan of Rosé. You can find me drinking them any month of the year, but when the weather is warm, there’s always a few in my refrigerator.
Keep in mind It’s a casual BBQ in your friend or cousin’s yard; no need to break the bank here. There are so many great choices in delicious, gulpable and food friendly Rosé’s. Here are two of my go to choices that will work well with that cookout and they’re so tasty and drinkable, people will grab pictures of the bottle to remember the wines, so they can buy more later.
Côté Mas Aurore Rosé 2023 ($12.49)
This would be an excellent value for $12.50 if it was a standard 750ml bottle. But it’s not, it’s a full liter, making it a bit of a bonus value. I’ve been consistently drinking this one for years and it’s always, excellent; the current vintage included. It’s a classic blend of Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah. Strawberry and raspberry are evident in both the aromatics and the initial sips. Wisps of stone fruit (think apricot and peach) along with zesty lemon curd show up on the finish and keep things crisp. It’sincredibly refreshing and you’re just going to keep on drinking it, by itself or alongside that glorious spread of summer cookout goodies. In addition to bringing this to that cookout, if you need a house Rosé for the summer that you want to grab a case of, this is a great bet.
Jean-Luc Colombo Cape Bleue Rosé 2023 ($16)
This one is made up of 67% Syrah and 33% Mourvèdre. It’s got bolder aromatics and fuller bodied flavors than the other Rosé. Bold cherry and raspberry aromas are evident from the first whiff you take. Red fruit flavors drive the palate as well, and they’re joined by some savory notes too. There’s an unctuousness on the finish that demands attention and further sips. If you’re looking for a Rosé to stand up to some of the more audacious flavors coming off the grill, this one will do the trick.
In addition to outdoor BBQ’s, you may have scored an invite to a posh sit-down summer dinner. Perhaps it’s even an infamous White Party, or maybe your bestie has hired a private Hibachi Chef to take over their house while feeding and delighting their friends. Either way your host has gone to a lot of trouble and expense to plan an impressive Dinner Party, you’re going to want to show up with a wine that will knock some socks off.
In these situations, there’s something about a notable bottle of red wine that will let your host know how much you appreciate the invite. Nothing against White Wine, but this moment calls for a big red. Your host splurged on the party; they’re also going to have the AC pumping to keep everyone cool, so no worries about the bold red in the summer heat.
Single Vineyard Wines hold a special place for many wine lovers. At the most basic level, the winemaker decided that a particular plot of land is special enough to bottle all by itself. These wines are often made in small quantities too, increasing their desirability due to simple supply and demand. Here are two single vineyard wines that you’ll be able to get your hands on, and impress your generous host (and his guests) with.
History 2020 History The Pines Zinfandel ($65)
The vineyard this fruit comes from was planted over 120 years ago, and 2020 also marks the last vintage for it. Making it a particularly singular vintage. Zinfandel was one of my first favorite grapes, and I still taste and drink them any chance I get. The bold flavors and spice are what first got my attention some 30 years ago when I had my first Zin. This one is special indeed. If you’re familiar with the grape you’ll expect some red and black fruit that brings jam (think of berry preserves) to mind. The Pines has that, and a host of spices in just the right amount. Strawberry and blackberry are notable. Black pepper and hints of nutmeg are present too. There’s a bit of black tea on the long finish as well. A firm vein of acid keeps things balanced. This is an extremely impressive example of Zinfandel. It’ll pair marvelously with richer foods.
Rodney Strong 2019 Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon ($90)
The Brothers Vineyard is 140 acres in Alexander Valley (Sonoma County), planted almost entirely to Cabernet Sauvignon. This is an impressive Cabernet Sauvignon from the moment you stick your nose in the glass. Black and purple fruit aromas such as plum and blackberry abound. Boysenberry and bramble flavors star along with dusty dark chocolate. The finish is long and opulent, but well proportioned. At its best right now after decanting for a couple of hours. Otherwise, it’ll age well for a dozen years. A fantastic Cabernet Sauvignon that shows off Alexander Valley in particular and Sonoma County by wider provenance.
Either of these flavorful reds will be an amazing match with that Wagyu Beef, Tomahawk steak or other impressive meats your host may serve. They’ll also impress on their own and pair with many other full-flavored foods.
More recommendations on Gabe’s substack, gabesasso.com
But if you’re partying with me, this is what your getting…
What you’ll need:
4 peaches
2 tablespoons chopped pistachios
Olive olive ( I used spicy)
Honey to drizzle
Jennifer fisher universal salt
Labane or Greek yogurt
Bunch of fresh mint diced
Cut the peaches into slices and line them up into two layers composition. Drizzle with olive oil, honey and sprinkle with salt, fresh mint, chopped pistachios and voilà! Serve with Labneh or Greek yogurt.
Happy Summer!
speaking of a spicy olive oil - when are we going to get Jenny's top olive oils reccs? I imagine its quite comprehensive!
Posted in the chat but asking here too… Jenny, since you don’t drink alcohol… what is your go to beverage choice at a party or event? I find I need to clutch a glass of something … would love to know your healthy option!