4 Patio Wines Paired with Backyard Cuisine
Featuring Bistecca alla Fiorentina-Style Steak
By mid-Summer we tire of mowing the lawn and beating the heat. Let’s fire up the barbeque grill and pour a refreshing glass of wine. Warm weather begs for a brink, chilled or a bold, spicy glass of wine that pairs perfectly with our summer cuisine. Consider these 4 suggestions based on your backyard fare: seafood, burgers, BBQ, or even a Bistecca alla Fiorentina (the traditional steak preparation in Florence, Italy).
Sauvignon Blanc and Fumé Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc has put New Zealand on the wine map for the last few decades. Fumé Blanc is a Sauvignon Blanc alternative. Robert Mondavi gave Fumé Blanc its name, but basically it is a Sauvignon Blanc that has had some oak influence.
Craggy Range Winery, Te Muna Road Vineyard, Sauvignon Blanc 2020
Wine Spectator 92 Points $24
This wine has complex aromatics of white peach, lime, basil, and lemon blossom. Flavors of nectarine and citrus carry this refined, chalky, and dry finish.
Recommended Food Pairing: Cheese, green vegetables, oysters, fresh herbs, delicate fish, and dishes with tangy ingredients pair well with Sauvignon Blanc. Put the shrimp on the barbie!
Dry Provence-style Rosé
Dry Rosé is the darling of the summer wine category. The original dry rosés’ came from the South of France in Provence, and are predominantly made from Grenache, Mourvedre, Cinsault, and Syrah grapes. Currently these same rosé styles are made around the world including many produced in the US. Grab a few bottles of dry rosé before they sell out this year.
Chateau d’Esclans Rock Angel Rose 2018, Côtes de Provence, France
Wine Enthusiast 90 Points, $35
A critically acclaimed rose with tart minerality and lilac, melon, and watermelon essence on the palate.
Recommended Food Pairing: A wide range of foods pair well with dry rosés’ including: grilled meats, salmon, and chicken.
Chianti/Sangiovese: Red Wine with Bistecca alla Fiorentina
Chianti is the signature wine of Tuscan made from a Sangiovese grape. Naturally it pairs well with Italian food. Have you ever prepared a Bistecca alla Fiorentina? Now that we can fly to Europe, check out La Bistecca – Osteria Fiorentina on the Piazza della Rupublicca in the heart of Florence….one of my personal favorite restaurants for their traditional Bistecca all Fiorentina. Take time to visit the Villa Antinori located in the hillsides of San Casciano Val di Pesa, within the province of Florence to taste their famous portfolio of wines, including the Riserva Chianti.
For a little Antinori and early Italian wine history, see my LuxeGetaways article: “Tuscany: The Wine Legacy.”
Bistecca alla Fiorentina: Rub a Porterhouse or T-bone steak with rosemary, sage, olive oil, pepper, and sea salt. Grill and enjoy with its perfect pairing- steak and a glass of Chianti.
Villa Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2017, $30
Wine Enthusiast, 92 points.
Zinfandel – the King of Wine for Burgers or BBQ
You will enjoy the spice and jammy fruit flavors of a dense, flavorful red Zinfandel wine. Red Zin holds up to the all the condiments we love to put on our burgers or the smoky spice of our favorite BBQ brisket or pulled-pork. Whether the barbeque is with Texas, Kansas City, North Carolina, South Carolina, or Alabama-style sauce, you will love the combination.
Federalist Zinfandel aged in Bourbon barrels is considered a “manly” wine according to the BroBible.
The Federalist Bourbon Barrel Aged Zinfandel 2017, Mendocino, CA, $25
Wine Enthusiast 89 points.
Let me know what are your favorite summer wine and summer fare combinations with comments below. Happy Summer!
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once again an article with many new delights to try! Had my interest at start, I have not done the Florentine steak in awhile thank you for the reminder and the pairing! Rebecca