Megan Murphy of Terlato Wine Group is excited about summer because it signals the beginning of the grilling season — and she is on a mission to spread the word that there is a red wine out there to pair with every grilling option and every budget. She recently sent me several tasty samples to prove her point and made a true believer out of me. From burgers to filet mignon and everything in between, she has red wines in her portfolio to suit every palate and paycheck.
Here are six summer sippers to serve up with your favorite grilled foods. Retail prices are approximate.
Burgers: Take a trip in a glass to the sunny Greek isles with the 2009 Elios Mediterranean Red ($13) that hails from the Peloponnesian region. Cabernet sauvignon (30 percent for structure) and syrah (30 percent for richness) are blended with the Mediterranean varietal agiorgitiko (40 percent for softness), and each sip conjures images of the sun-soaked beaches, deliciously fresh foods and relaxed culture of the Mediterranean. Its bright, fruit-forward flavor profile of blackberry, plum and chocolate is rounded out with soft tannins and a bit of spiciness on the finish. QPR 8
Roasted vegetables: Best known for crafting white and red blends from California grapes, Seven Daughters was founded in 2008 by a group of winemakers who wanted to make a series of wines that “paired well with laughter.” Their recently released their nonvintage Seven Daughters Merlot ($15), sourced from premier vineyards in Northern California. This medium-bodied wine entices the palate with a round mouthfeel, featuring red plums and juicy dark cherries up front and a touch of cocoa on the persistent finish. QPR 8
Mahi mahi or salmon: Located in the heart of Burgundy, Domaine Chanson Pere et Fils produces an approachable and affordable pinot noir that is great for both the recliner and the dinner table. The 2009 Domaine Chanson Bourgogne Pinot Noir ($21) is made from grapes that are exclusively sourced from vineyards in the Cote de Nuits and Cote de Beaune. It displays aromas of red currant and spices and elegant flavors of strawberry, cherry and red plum that float on the tongue with finesse and charm. QPR 8
Barbecue shrimp: “Top Chef,” an award-winning food show on Bravo, has selected the Terlato Wine Group to develop hand-crafted, well-balanced wines that pair perfectly with a wide range of food. The 2009 Quickfire Cabernet Sauvignon ($22) from Napa Valley has an attractive nose in which scents of blackberry and chocolate dominate the bouquet. Layers of blackberry, dark cassis, black cherry and blueberry attack the front of the palate and then fall to a hint of vanilla on the back of the tongue. Silky-sweet tannins play up the notes of dark chocolate on the long, luscious finish. QPR 9
Dry aged strip steak: Even though Bruce Markham has been making wines in Napa Valley, the 2010 vintage is the inaugural release of the 2010 Markham Vineyards’ Cellar 1879 Red Blend ($25). This wine is a tribute to Markham Vineyards founder Jean Laurent, who built the historic stone cellar still used on the property today. Each year, the blend will change, depending on the quality of the fruit. In 2010, merlot provides a velvety texture with distinct chocolate notes while cabernet sauvignon provides the deep, smoky notes that weave throughout. The petite syrah adds blackberry jam and floral spice, and the petit verdot provides backbone and structure. The velvety finish features lovely notes of toasty oak and vanilla. QPR 9
Filet mignon: Australian winemaker Michael Twelftree is more fun than any 10 guys I know, and his wines reflect his infectious personality. The 2009 Two Hands Wines Gnarly Dudes ($40), from Barossa Valley, is made for grilling. The richly textured shiraz is named for the gnarly old vines that year in and year out produce mature fruit. The wine sports perfumed aromas of blackberry, dark chocolate and spicy pepper. The palate is clubbed with a blast of ripe black fruit, dark plums and dark licorice up front and seduced with subtle notes of pepper and dark chocolate on the powerful finish. QPR 9.5
Note: QPR is a rating system that compares the quality a wine delivers relative to the price. A QPR of 10 is considered an excellent value.
