WASHINGTON — Daylight is receding and the kids are heading back to school, but we still have plenty of warm weather ahead for backyard grilling and indoor chilling.
Summer is winding down to a close, and returning to the first regular workweek requires a gentle approach. A smooth landing back to work and school calls for the perfect Labor Day wine.
Here are a few wines to welcome the long Labor Day weekend and to say “so long” to summer.
I love rosé wines any time of year, but summer just seems to be the perfect match for rosés. The 2015 M de Minuty Rosé offers up plenty of strawberry and citrus-like aromas and flavors to go with a lightly textured, medium-bodied profile that’s perfect for a hot summer day. The high acidity and minerality keep the wine refreshing and bright, and a perfect match with seafood and simple rotisserie chicken. Drink it on its own, too. Refrigerate before serving. $15
Who says you can’t wear white after Labor Day — particularly if your labor efforts require a hammock and an ice bucket. The 2014 The Clambake chardonnay from the Mendocino County, California, is perfect for chilling out. The fruit is picked in its youth and fermented in stainless steel tanks to produce a lighter and crisper expression of California chardonnay that features a lovely nose that includes scents of nectarines and green apples. The crisp flavors of apple, passion fruit and bright citrus make this a wine to pair with — as the name suggests — a clambake or, I suggested, a hammock. Serve well-chilled. $15
If popping open a bottle of bubbly isn’t quite your thing, you can still enjoy a still red wine from a producer who knows a thing or two about Champagne. Renowned Champagne producer Moet Hennessy has stuck its proverbial toe into the Sonoma region of California with its 2014 Smoke Tree Pinot Noir. A wonderful way to fall into fall, this wine features aromas of forest floor, black tea and cherry cola. Fresh and textural flavors of black plum, dark cherry, raspberry and watermelon provide a delicious backdrop for grilled salmon, roast pork or grilled veggies. $25
If you’re grilling steaks, burgers or ribs and need a versatile red wine, then try the 2013 Onix Classic Priorat Red from the Priorat region of Spain. This is a medium-bodied, youthful wine that offers a remarkably rewarding bouquet of jammy red fruit and orange peel on the nose. The juicy red berry flavors tend toward cherry, dark plum and red currant with an accent of dried herb and baking spice on the playful finish. This is just a fun wine to drink. $20
A helpful hint for summertime wine enjoyment: If you’re planning on serving your chilled wine outside, consider buying a spare bottle, opening it up a few hours before guests arrive and pouring it into a clean plastic ice cube tray. Place the tray in the freezer then use the frozen wine-cubes to keep your guest’s wines chilled to the perfect temperature throughout the day and evening!
