We’re having a hard time coming to terms with the fact that summer is almost over. Labor Day Weekend signifies the end of the season, with schools starting and temperatures cooling down. It’s most likely going to stay warm for a little while longer but the mornings and evenings will get a little chilly and before we know it, it’ll be fall.
Although we do say you can drink rosé all year round (and we really mean that), it does taste best in the summer so get those last sips of your pink drink. This is the time to get the darker ones, the ones that may be a little bolder and more aggressive. Think of matching your wine to the colors of those last summer sunsets.
We don’t talk about it but Lambrusco is a dark horse for sparkling wines. Think of those last backyard barbeques and the Saturday night patios where the slight chill sets into the air- wouldn’t a fizzy red wine go perfectly? It’s not as warm-weather bright as a Prosecco or Cava, but it still has the light air of a fun, relaxing summer night.
If you’re looking for something to take on your Labor Day beach vacation, try a Rioja. It’s not super heavy for a red but has a smoky, peppery quality that is great for an outdoor evening. For some reason, it definitely tastes better when consumed outside near sand and water.
We know it’s usually against the rules to chill your red wines but a cool Pinot Noir can be truly wonderful. Putting it on ice can take some of the edge out of those warming tannins which helps lighten it up, making it a perfect end of summer wine. A Pinot is a very adaptable wine so it can take the chill.
And if you’re trying to keep that summer feeling with a white wine, go for an Albarino. It looks light in color but it’s not light in flavor. You get a powerful, aromatic punch with every sip, one full of stone fruits and herbs, and a magical acidity that will cure any summertime sadness.
