Fall Is Here...but don't dump those summer wines
With summer’s expiration date on Sept. 22, is it time to ditch those bright, light, delicious wines you enjoyed when fish were jumpin’ and cotton was high?
Short answer: no. There is no reason to forgo patio, pool and picnic pours now, or any time for that matter. In the first place, if you live in the southern half of the country, plenty of summer-like days remain — in Texas there will be summer-like days in winter. No need to eschew wines because of some silly equinox.
Plus, most homes today are 72-75 degrees all year long, no matter the season. There will come the time when outdoor imbibing days are problematic, but “summer” wines will taste just as good inside your home, especially as aperitifs or paired with lighter foods.
Rosé wine — both still and sparkling — in particular is a year-around pour. Its lovely color livens the start of any event, and the red fruit flavors, acidity, and lower alcohol of dry rosés make them extremely versatile wines to pair with food.
Tasting notes:
Rotari Rosé Trento DOC 2013: Works wonderfully as an aperitif with its pleasing color, lively bubbles, and delicious, delicate fruit flavors. $14
Chronic Cellars Pink Pedals Paso Robles 2017: Surprising rosé over-delivers for the price. Juicy watermelon and cantaloupe play with the acidity and strawberry in this rich, fruity effort. $15
Moët & Chandon Nectar Impérial Rosé NV: Great color, lively bubbles can be sweet aperitif to begin an elegant party, especially appreciated by those who enjoy sweeter wines. Also serves very well as romantic gift or celebratory pour for wedding, university graduation, birthday, retirement. $44-66
Last round: Just to reassure everyone, it is perfectly okay to drink white wine after Labor Day. White pants and shoes? We can debate that.