Temecula Wine Country – Summer Wine Pairing Guide

Ah, the sizzle of summer is upon us. Whether you’re spending your hot summer days and long summer nights relaxing at the beach, chowing down at a backyard barbecue, or picnicking in the park under a shady oak tree, these cool and crisp whites, rosés and sparkling wines will please every palate. All of these wines can be purchased online or in the tasting rooms, so choose your favorites this week! Here’s our guide to beating the heat in the most delicious way:

Whites

• Miramonte Winery 2006 Chardonnay – Well-integrated flavors with notes of honey, vanilla, and toasty oak – a great pairing with your gourmet cheese and summer fruit plate, $19.96

• Monte de Oro 2009 Pinot Gris - 100% Estate Grown and everything you would expect from a summer white: light and crisp with a refreshing finish, $16

• Briar Rose Winery Citronier 2007 – Aromas of exotic fruit with a brilliant lemon flavor.  Sure to bring a smile to every summer celebration, $26

Rosés

• Oak Mountain Winery 2010 White Merlot - A bright pink color, sweet cherry and raspberry aromas characterize this wine.  Serve chilled as an aperitif, or as an excellent accompaniment to picnic and barbecue fare, seafood, poultry and ham, $19

• Robert R enzoni Vineyards 2010 La Rosa (Rosé of Sangiovese) – Perfect for drinking on its own, this rose has light strawberry and citrus flavors, layered with hints of cranberry, passion & tropical fruit, $16

• Falkner Winery 2010 Rosato - A lovely blend of Cabernet and Italian grapes, this delicate and delicious wine is great for sipping chilled or pairing with cheeses, salads, and fruit dishes, $14.95

Sparklers

• Thornton Winery NV Almondage -  Light almond flavors; excellent served chilled with cheese, fruit and especially dessert, $15

• Maurice Car’rie & Van Roekel Winery Pineapple California Sparkling Wine – This lively refreshing California Sparklin g Wine is bursting with flavors of pineapple and tropical fruit – a perfect accompaniment to your summer picnic basket, $13.95

• Cougar Vineyard & Winery Bubbly Blush – Made from 100% Sangiovese, brut style; to be enjoyed with Mimosas on the patio or a late summer night on the terrace, $16.95