Cellar Princess: Red, White & Cru

Start America’s birthday celebration ~ and your wedding ~ off with a bang with some reds and whites that are perfect warm weather sippers! Most people don’t think that reds can be drunk in the summer, but as we discussed last week, there are some that are perfect for those 100 degree plus days and your guests will be pleasantly surprised.

Georges Dubeouf’s Beaujolais Crus (Photo from www.spiritofwine.blogspot.com)

Begin here. Reds: Georges Dubeouf’s Beaujolais Crus are some of the best reds to imbibe in the summer. Beaujolais often gets a bad rep because of Beaujolais Nouveau and the fact that BN’s aren’t made for ageability; they also may not go over well with those having a high end wedding because of the Nouveau association, but you should definitely reconsider. The Beaujolais Crus are an exception.

First, a little history lesson:
- Beaujolais is a sub-region of Burgundy and everyone knows that Burgundy is home to some of the most age-worthy, high quality and expensive wines on the planet.
- The word “Cru” meaning “growth,” is applied to Beaujolais wine to suggest vineyard terroir and quality level, specifically to separate itself from Beaujolais Nouveau.
- Though Beaujolais is a Burgundian sub-region, the wines are made from Gamay grapes instead of pinot noir. However, like pinot noir, the gamay grape is thin skinned. Gamay is also low in tannins.

The Crus are very light-bodied and should be served chilled. They pair well with anything from salmon to burgers, whether you want a four course high gastronomy meal or a backyard barbecue. And because they’re age-worthy and go well with just about everything, people will think that you paid much more than the wines cost. They range from $14-20.

Whites: Nearly ice cold, fruit-forward whites and bubbly are my favorite things to drink on hot days and they will be refreshing to your guests as well. My faves are Sauvignon Blanc, Moscato d’Asti or an American or French sparkler.

Suggestions?

- Ruinart NV Blanc de Blanc have toast and yeasty notes that would pair well with a soft fish such as tilapia and sole.
- Schramsberg 2008 Blanc de Blanc is perfect on its own as an aperitif.
- Any German riesling from 1981 to now from the Mosel Valley to pair with foods that have an Asian flair.

Schramsberg 2008 Blanc de Blancs (Photo from www.schramsberg.com)

These wines will encompass the gamut of palates and will add great depth and variety to your food. As I said, perfect for a summer wedding!

What do you like to drink in the summer?

Written by Cellar Princess

J’nai Gaither wakes up every single morning asking herself, “What’s for dinner?” Food and wine literally consume her every thought of every day. J’nai travels high and low, far and wide, to digest the culinary vino-scape, one tasty morsel at a time. And she is always one sip away from the next one!

J’nai is a contributer on theBridescoop where she writes her enthusiasm for wine.

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