Bodega El Esteco poolside and backyard (Photos: El Esteco, Bodela Alfredo Roca, Chandon Argentina)
Summer is fast approaching, heralding the beginning of a season of bright, sunlit days giving way to mild, warm nights. Now is the perfect time to indulge in some excellent Argentine wines. In part 1, we introduced some must-have wines to add to your summer drinks list, including two whites, one rosé, and two Naranjos. Today, Thursday Food presents light red and sparkling wines that are sure to liven up any summer party.
Summer wines offer a delightful escape from the heat, boasting lighter body, refreshing acidity and the unique ability to work with, rather than clash with, the heat. With their clean flavors, fruity bouquets and the occasional floral note, these wines offer a refreshing respite from the hot weather. Created to not only refresh but enhance the flavors of summer dishes, they complement everything from fresh seafood to sun-ripened fruit, reflecting the same vital energy of the sun that nourishes the vineyards.
Perfect for enjoying outdoors, summer wines shine wherever you’re lounging on a sunny porch while enjoying a backyard barbecue or lounging beside gentle ocean waves. Unlike the full-bodied, rich red wines favored in cooler seasons, summer wines stand out with a few key characteristics: bright acidity helps counteract the heat and refreshes the palate, preparing you for your next summer salad or grilled fish.
Additionally, the serving temperature of summer wines is also important. While wines enjoyed in cooler climates are often served at room temperature or slightly chilled, summer wines taste even better when served chilled, which enhances their freshness without overpowering their delicate flavors. With the perfect balance of body, acidity and temperature, summer wines are more than just beverages; they are essential companions to summer meals, enriching every meal and moment.
While heavier red wines may be too strong for summer, a lightly chilled, light-bodied Pinot Noir is a great choice, with soft tannins, bright acidity and red berry, cherry and earthy flavors. Pinot Noir is versatile and pairs well with grilled salmon, roasted chicken and summer vegetable dishes. Its light body and complex flavors make it a sophisticated choice for warm evenings.
Criolla wines are generally light to medium bodied, refreshing and easy to drink in warm weather. Their light flavors make them pleasantly cool on hot summer days without being too heavy on the palate. The bright acidity of Criolla wines combines with the vibrant flavors of strawberries, cherries and other red fruits to create a refreshing flavor profile. This makes them the perfect pairing for outdoor dining and barbecues with a variety of summer dishes, enhancing the overall feeling of freshness.
Bonarda is known for its juicy red berry and plum flavors that are refreshing and satisfying in the summer. These vibrant fruit notes are complemented by soft tannins and bright acidity that create a smooth, refreshing mouthfeel, making this a fun, lively wine to drink in the warmer months. This balance allows the wine to remain light and refreshing, making it easy to enjoy in hotter weather and pairing exceptionally well with a variety of summer foods, including grilled meats, roasted vegetables and light pasta dishes.
Both sweet sparkling wines and Brut Cuvées are characterized by their effervescent quality, which is refreshing and perfect for cooling off on hot summer days. The bubbles tickle the mouth and enhance the overall drinking experience, making them a great pairing with a wide range of summer foods, from light salads and seafood to grilled meats and fruit desserts. They also pair well with a wide range of summer dishes, with their acidity and carbonation helping to tame rich, oily flavors and their sweetness balancing spicy and zesty dishes.
Food Thursday concludes its two-part feature with a look at some of Argentina’s best labels.
Chacra Pinot Noir Patagonia Sin Azufre is 100% varietal made from grapes grown in the Rio Negro region of Patagonia. This wine has a pure, mineral and powerful nose with floral and vivacious aromas and rich flavors of red plum and dried raspberry. On the palate, it is bright and energetic with sandalwood accents and soft tannins that linger on the finish.
El Esteco Old Vines Criolla 1958 is made from 63-year-old Criolla vines from the province of Salta. The wine is produced by Bodega El Esteco at Finca Las Mercedes in the Cafayate Valley region of the province. This 100% Criolla is an intense rosé with purple hues and slight ruby rims, with fine lees similar to Pinot Noir. It starts with a fruity aroma typical of the varietal, and on the palate, the fruity flavors are first felt, followed by mineral notes.
El Enemigo Single Vineyard La Esperanza Bonarda is made from 100% Bonarda grapes by El Enemigo Wines in Mendoza. The wine is violet in color with aromas of cherry, sour cherry, blackberry, black olive, and subtle notes of graphite and thyme. In the mouth, it is rich, yet slightly sweet, savory, tannic, and has a long, earthy finish.
Chandon D’Elysse is a sweet sparkling wine produced by Bodegas Chandon. Its blend combines the traditional grapes of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with the innovative varieties Petit Manseng and Semillon. Perfect to enjoy with ice, enhanced with a twist of flavours and aromas, this wine is made up of 60% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir, 5% Semillon and 5% Petit Manseng.
The delicate citrus and honey aromas of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir combine with the tropical notes of Petit Manseng and Semillon to create lively fruity flavors and an explosive sweetness.
Alfredo Roca Brut Nature Cuvée is made by Bodega Alfredo Roca in San Rafael Mendoza using 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay and 20% Chenin Blanc. The nose reveals toasty notes from the yeast, finely combined with white floral and peach aromas. The Pinot Noir gives this sparkling wine exceptional quality, body and persistence. The Chardonnay gives the wine typical aromas of ripe white fruits and flowers, while the Chenin completes the wine with a refreshing acidity. The combination of the three varieties results in a complex and elegant sparkling wine.
Serving summer wine at the right temperature and in the right glass can make it even more enjoyable. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your summer wines:
White and rosé wines should be served well chilled, usually around 45-50°F (7-10°C). This brings out their refreshing flavors and crisp acidity. Red wines should be served lightly chilled, with lighter-bodied red wines served slightly chilled around 55-60°F (13-15°C). This makes them more refreshing and more delicious to drink in hot weather. If serving outside, use a wine cooler or ice bucket to keep wine at the right temperature. Avoid direct sunlight, as this will warm wine quickly and change its flavor.
Choosing the perfect wine for summer is all about choosing a refreshing, light and bright wine that pairs well with seasonal activities and cuisine. Whether you like crisp white wines, rich rosés, sparkling wines or light reds, you’re sure to find a summer wine that’s perfect for you. Choose wisely and enjoy! And stay healthy!!
