At Walla Walla Vintners, we believe red wine belongs at your summer table! From laid-back barbecues in the backyard to evening dinners al fresco, the right pairing can turn any meal into a memory.
Walla Walla is no stranger to standout reds, and some of the best red wines for summer are grown right here. Our bright, fruit-forward Sangiovese has just the right edge for grilled fare, and our full-bodied red blends and Syrahs can throw down with the best of them at the neighborhood cookout.
Why Red Wines Shine in Summer
Red wines can be perfectly suited for summer! The trick is to let the wine doe the heavy lifting. Sangiovese sings with tomato-based sauces, roasted veggies, and flame-kissed meats, making it our go-to pick when the sun is out and the grill is hot. If you’re committed to your smoker this summer, Syrah is another excellent option to stand up to those bold flavors! So whether you’re firing up the coals or setting a table under the stars, a red wine might just be your perfect pick.
Sangiovese: The Star of Summer Pairings
Sangiovese is a versatile grape that shines in summer settings. Its high acidity and medium tannins make it food-friendly. This wine complements a variety of summer dishes.
Tomato-based recipes, common in summer, are a go-to Sangiovese food pairing. The wine’s acidity balances the tartness of tomatoes. Grilled meats, especially with herbal marinades, also taste great with Sangiovese.
For an unforgettable meal, try these Sangiovese summer pairing ideas:
- Caprese salad:
- 3 – 4 ripe heirloom tomatoes, sliced 1/4 inches thick
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella
- fresh basil leaves
- extra virgin olive oil
- aged balsamic vinegar
- flaky sea salt and fresh black pepper
- Directions: On a large platter, alternate slices of tomato and mozzarella, overlapping slightly. Tuck fresh basil leaves in between the layers. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic over the salad, and top with flaky sea salt and fresh black pepper.
- Grilled chicken with rosemary:
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, plus zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup dry red wine
- Directions: Prep the chicken by patting dry and seasoning both sides generously with salt and pepper. Then, in a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, rosemary, lemon juice and lemon zest. Reserving some marinade for a pan sauce, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours in the fridge. To cook, preheat grill to medium-high. Grill chicken skin side down for 5 – 6 minutes, then flip and grill for another 6 – 8 minutes with the lid closed. For an optional pan sauce, reduce reserved marinade on the stove top with an additional 1/4 cup of dry red wine or chicken broth.
- Tomato bruschetta
- 1 baguette or rustic loaf, sliced in 1/2 inch slices
- 4 to 5 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 to 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
- 8 to 10 fresh basil leaves, chiffonade
- salt and pepper to taste, balsamic vinegar to taste
- Directions: Dice the tomatoes and place them in a mixing bowl. Add 1 clove of minced garlic, olive oil, basil, and salt pepper to taste. Add a small splash of balsamic for extra tang. Let sit of 10 – 15 minutes. Meanwhile, brush the bread slices with olive oil and toast on the grill or with the broiler until golden and crips, about 1 to 2 minutes per side. While still warm, rub the top side of each toast with the remaining garlic clove. Spoon the tomato mixture generously onto each slice of toasted bread. Drizzle with olive oil and basil to finish.
Sangiovese can highlight the natural flavors of seasonal ingredients. Its adaptability ensures it’s a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Consider making Sangiovese a staple for summer feasts.
Other Easy Summer Red Wine Recipes to Try
Summer is perfect season for bold flavors and effortless meals, and red wine has a role to play beyond the glass. A good bottle can deepen the flavor of your favorite dishes… just get ready to be asked to share the recipe!
Try a red wine reduction to drizzle over grilled steak or mushrooms. Or, toss together a quick marinade for summer squash and peppers! Even dessert’s fair game: a wine infused berry compote over vanilla ice cream might just steal the show.
Cooking with wine is a creative way to stretch your bottle and your imagination.
Best Red Wines for Summer Barbecues
A barbecue isn’t complete without the right wine. Selecting the best red wine enhances the smoky, savory flavors of grilled foods. Opting for bold reds is key.
Look for wines with structure, spice and fruit-driven core. Syrah shines here, with its peppery edge and savory depth. Malbec brings dark fruit and just enough grip to stand up to char. And, if you’re leaning into burgers or ribs, a smooth Cabernet Sauvignon is always a solid move.
Pro tip: give your reds a 20 minute chill before serving. It brightens the fruit, softens the tannins, and keeps them closer to cellar temperature longer on a hot day.
Experiment with different pairings to discover your preferences. The best wine for BBQ can elevate your experience, making gatherings memorable.
Final Tips for Perfect Summer Red Wine Pairings
Choosing the right wine makes summer meals shine. Opt for red wines that can be lightly chilled. This enhances their refreshing quality. Remember, less tannic wines work best for warm weather.
Consider these pairing tips to elevate your summer dining:
- Match wine acidity with tomatoes and citrus
- Pair fruitier reds with desserts
- Use herbal notes to complement grilled dishes
Experiment with different pairings to find what you love. Enjoy the process, and let your palate guide you.
