Listen all, wine anxiety is real. You walk into a liquor store or peruse a particularly snobby wine list and panic hits – what are you going to order?
The fear wine triggers has no reason to exist. There are as many palates as there are people, and one’s appreciation of a bottle is a unique experience that should not need to be defended. Welcome to the wine judgment-free zone.
With summer coming up, numerous opportunities will arise to share a delicious bottle of wine. While deciding what to buy, why not make it extra chic and stop by the French wine aisle?
Here are three different summer scenarios and my personal French wine pairing suggestions. Do not forget that no matter what you choose, the only thing that matters is that you enjoy your wine!
Scenario 1: You Get Invited to a Friend’s Barbecue
Have you ever been invited to a friend’s house for some grilling and decided not to bring wine? Me neither. Wine and July BBQs go hand in hand. While it is impossible to find a wine that will complement every single flavor, you are in safe territory if you opt for a lighter French white.
My suggestion: Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre, Loire Valley
Why? Barbecues are usually enjoyed outdoors in hot weather. If you are going to convince your partner to ditch beer for wine, you will want to reach out for some refreshingly light, crisp wine.
White wines from Loire are best served with grilled fish and chicken, among other dishes. There is a bottle of Sancerre, the most recognizable appellation of the Loire Valley, for every budget.
Scenario 2: You are Spending the Afternoon at the Pool
What is summer without rosé? Not much if you ask me. There is no better way to enjoy a lazy afternoon weekend than by swimming in a shimmering pool in between (responsible) sips of rosé.
My suggestion: Any blend from Cotes de Provence, Provence
Why? Provence is France’s oldest winemaking region – the Greeks planted vines and made rosés there more than 2,600 years ago. Sandwiched between the Mediterranean and the Alps, the Provencal vineyard is a sun-drenched paradise.
High-quality wines from the Cotes de Provence appellation often blend multiple varietals such as Cinsaut, Grenache and Mourvèdre. Do not trip on the words though, and just grab the best looking rosé bottle you can find!
Scenario 3: Your Crush Plans a Picnic in the Park
You are about to hop on the subway when your date asks you to pick up wine for your picnic. Chaos ensues. I would go for a young red Beaujolais wine. I have never met someone who did not like it.
My suggestion: Beaujolais Cru from Saint-Amour, Beaujolais
Why? Made of Gamay grapes, Beaujolais reds offer exceptional value and quality when it comes to light-bodied wines. While Beaujolais counts ten different crus, I would recommend the romantique Saint-Amour, for its soft, fruity and floral wine that pairs beautifully with finger food and cheese.
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About the Contributor:
An award-winning wine PR expert, Sarah Moreau helps the world’s top vineyards achieve visibility and awareness in the US. Outside of drinking a lot of French wine, Sarah writes and speaks at various industry conferences across the country.
Caption: Sarah Moreau (left) with her best friend, Dominique
