Nine Food and Wine Pairings for Summer
In years past, I’ve spent my summer blog posts bemoaning the heat and humidity. This year, I’m shifting my perspective. (Well, I’m trying to… it’s a work in progress.) As summer officially arrives in the Northern Hemisphere, I’m focusing on the things I like about this season: al fresco dining, poolside cocktails, tall glasses of unsweetened iced tea, breezy linen, lakeside cabins, bright manicures, gooey s’mores, worn-in sandals, designer sunglasses, and of course, juicy wines paired with summery foods.
To kick off this summer of loving summer, I traveled to Aruba and embraced the island life for a few days. There, I tried a pairing that inspired this blog post: Mahi Mahi tacos with cold Provençal rosé. Simple, yet utterly satisfying. It’s a pairing so harmonious that I enjoyed it not once but twice for lunch.
This pairing, and the others featured here, will turn any summertime meal into a special occasion. The right wines elevate classic, hot-weather dishes and fuel memories, whether you’re on a patio, island, or fire escape. Plus, all of the wines below are $30 or less.
Enjoy your summer! I’ll try to, too.
Main dishes for hot days
BBQ tempeh or ribs with Shiraz from Clare Valley, Australia
Try: Jim Barry Lodge Hill Shiraz, $23 on wine.com
Wine notes: Blackberry, black plum, baking spices, smoke, black pepper
Classic cheeseburger with Cabernet Franc from Loire, France
Try: Domaine de la Pépière La Pépiè Cabernet Franc, $22 on wine.com
Wine notes: Raspberry, bell pepper, gravel, crushed red pepper flakes.
Sausage and peppers with Etna Rosso from Sicily, Italy
Try: Pietradolce Etna Rosso, $28 on wine.com
Wine notes: Cherries, star anise, cinnamon, dried Italian herbs, ash
Fish tacos with Rosé from Provence, France
Try: Commanderie de la Bargemone Côteaux d'Aix en Provence Rosé, $22 on wine.com
Wine notes: Watermelon, strawberry, blood orange, citrus, fresh blossoms
Summery sides
Broccoli salad with Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre, France
Try: Domaine de la Pauline Sancerre, $30 on wine.com
Wine notes: Grapefruit, grass, lemon, lime, passionfruit, chalk
Caprese pasta salad with Fiano from Campania, Italy
Try: La Capranera Paestum Fiano, $20 on wine.com
Wine notes: Yellow apple, Bosc pear, peach, lemon, almond, florals
Grilled zucchini with Albariño from Rías Baixas, Spain
Try: Bodegas Raúl Pérez Atalier a Cruz das Ánimas, $30 on wine.com
Wine notes: Lemon, grapefruit, melon, white peach, sea salt
Mexican street corn salad with Chenin Blanc from Stellenbosch, South Africa
Try: Ken Forrester Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc, $19 on wine.com
Wine notes: Yellow apple, nectarine, cantaloupe, orange, wax, ginger
Grilled stone fruits with semi-dry Riesling from the Finger Lakes, New York
Try: Hermann J. Wiemer Semi-Dry Riesling, $23 on wine.com
Wine notes: Pineapple, peach, apricot, lime, slate, citrus blossom
