5 Wine Experts Suggest Favorite Summer Food and Wine Pairings
Visit These Wineries in Spain, California, Australia, Italy, France
Summer food and wine pairing is all about matching the body or mouthfeel of the wine and the strong or delicate flavors of the food. For the best place to try these pairings (other than your own kitchen,) travel to the spots recommended by these five wine experts and taste them in their native places: Spain, California, Australia, Italy, and France.
Spain Rioja Rosé with Veggie Pasta: Suggested by Doug Frost, MS, MW
“My favorite rosé comes from Lopez de Heredia: their rosés are complex, even profound. And Maria-Jose's family winery is a paragon of 19th century Spanish architectural glory.” - Doug Frost, MS, MW, is one of America’s few dual Master Sommeliers and Master of Wine (one of only four in the world.
Lopez de Heredia has one of the finest rosé wines in the world. At several wine events Doug Frost has rosé pairing with a veggie pasta. Cooking Classy has a terrific Pasta Primavera recipe for this summer.
This Lopez de Heredia winery is located in La Rioja, Spain. The rosé is made in a traditional Spanish style with Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Viura grapes. Stay at the Hotel Marqués de Riscal, Elciego, Spain (a luxury Frank Gehry-designed hotel) just 25 minutes away.
Sauvignon Blanc and Grilled Oysters: Suggested by Richie Allen, Sr. Director, Winemaker/Production Rombauer Vineyards
“Right now, I am enjoying our new 2023 Sauvignon Blanc with fresh oysters and a squeeze of lemon.” – Richie Allen, Sr. Director, Winemaker/Production, Rombauer Vineyards.
I interviewed Richie Allen in Napa Valley last fall (see video above), “Rombauer Vineyards: A New Chapter, E&J Gallo Luxury Wine Group Acquisition.” Richie grew up in one of the most famous wine growing regions-- the Yarra Valley, Melbourne, Australia, known for both their white and red wines. Following graduation from the University of Adelaide and winemaking experience in Australia and New Zealand, Richie Allen began his tenure at Rombauer in 2008 as a harvest intern and worked his way up through the ranks, becoming the winery’s head winemaker.
The Food Network features an Ina Garten recipe for Grilled Oysters with Lemon Dill Butter. You can visit Rombauer Vineyards in both their Napa Valley and Sierra Foothills locations, both featuring lovely patio settings to sip your summer wines. See Rombauer Experiences.
Semillon and Grilled Shrimp: Suggested by Phillip Anderson,DipWSET® Master of Wine Candidate, Brand Ambassador/Sales Manager
“I recommend the Tyrrell's Vat 1 Semillon with grilled shrimp.” – Phillip Anderson, DipWSET®, a current Master of Wine (MW) candidate and is the Sales Manager/Brand Ambassador for both Terra Sávia and Ettore Wineries.
Phillip and I remain friends since the days we formed our WSET level 4 tasting group. He has superb taste. If he recommends a wine, it is top-notch. His recommended wine, the Tyrrell Vat 1 Semillon is from Australia’s Hunter Valley, is the third most highly rated wine in the whole region. It is buttery and complex with a crisp acid profile and a note of citrus. Serve it with Bobby Flay’s Asian Shrimp Skewers which you can see in this “Boy Meets Grill” episode. Visit Hunter Valley, Australia with a Guide to the Hunter Valley.
Shrimp, Feta, Tomatoes Paired with Vermentino: Suggested by Dr. Terry Lease Professor of Wine Business, Cal Poly, Department of Wine and Viticulture
“ In summer, good food is all about simplicity. One of my favorites is a simple pasta with shrimp, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and a little oregano. Throw the shrimp in the pasta water for the last couple of minutes, drain it, and mix everything together in a bowl with a drizzle of olive oil. Nothing else needs to be cooked. Pair it with a crisp white from the Mediterranean, such as a Vermentino from Sardinia (Pala Soprasole Vermentino 2022) or Corsica, an Erma Bianco, or a Greek Assyrtiko.
Another easy meal is grilled chicken and corn on the cob. It pairs well with your favorite style of Chardonnay but is probably best, at least for me, with a traditional California style. Rombauer is a good go-to producer.” – Dr. Terry Lease, DipWSET®, Cal Poly, Professor of Wine business.
Dr. Terry Lease, DipWSET®, loves summer wines. Dr. Lease is professor in the Wine and Viticulture Department at California Polytechnic State University, who previously oversaw academic programs at the Wine Business Institute at Sonoma State University. He and I graduated with our WSET® Diploma of Wine in the same group in 2018 and maintain and enjoy our monthly winetasting group. See Visit Southern Italy/Sardinia.
Provence Rosé and Chilean Sea Bass: Suggested by Tricia Conover, DipWSET®, Editor, Wine Wanderings
“I was invited to a Dallas wine-tasting hosted by Wines of Provence a few years ago. And I thought, how can a Rosé be so great and close to $130? I was wrong. Garrus by Chateau d’Esclans blew me away…elegant, complex, rich. The Chateau d’Esclans family of wines including the popular Whispering Angel. Les Clans, Rock Angel, and Garrus are impressive. “- Tricia Conover, DipWSET, Editor, Wine Wanderings.
Chateau d’Esclans is a magical property located in the heart of Provence, northeast of St. Tropez. It was founded by Sacha Lichine. I suggest that you pair this exceptional wine with an exceptional fish, Chilean Seabass. I love this recipe, Baked Chilean Sea Bass from Cooked by Julie that you can bake. No grill required.
“Select your favorite wine and food pairing and welcome summer in style. Better yet, travel to one of these picturesque wineries, savor the scenery, and toast a well-made wine.” – Tricia Conover, DipWSET, Editor, Wine Wanderings
Wine Recommendations
2012 R. Lopez de Heredia Gran Reserva Rosado Rioja, Spain $200
Robert Parker, 96 Points
2023 Tyrrell’s Vat 1 Semillon, Hunter Valley, Australia, $52
Historic average ratings for this wine: Robert Parker, 94 Points
2023 Rombauer Sauvignon Blanc, North Coast California, $29
Historic average ratings for this wine, Wine Spectator, 92 Points
2022 Pala Soprasole Vermentino, Sardinia, Italy $22
James Suckling, 91 Points
Chateau d’Esclans Garrus Rosé 2019, Provence, France $130
Decanter Magazine, 96 Points
Wine Wanderings Editorial Calendar
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The Martini – What’s New, What’s Old: Classic vs. Modern
Grower Champagnes – Why are They the Darlings of Champagne? (WH)
The Loire Valley: Touring Chateau Chenonceau
Two Surprising Wineries of the Loire Valley: Montdomaine and Ambacia, Ancient Sites with Modern, Organic Approaches
Understanding Right Bank Bordeaux: Pomerol and St. Emilion
Restaurants of Napa Valley
Book Review: Big Macs and Burgundy