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But what about merlot?
When the temperature spikes in August, big, tannic reds are often the last wine you want in your Zalto glass (unless you live in Texas). But there’s more to the category than cabernet sauvignon. In fact, pinot noir, gamay and even zinfandel can all be chilled for sipping while tending your new gas grill or charcoal smoker. And if your summer patio menu has salmon, burgers or dry-rubbed brisket as a main course, you’ll want a red that refreshes while standing up to your food.
Here are seven wines under $50 that deliver.
Julien Revillon Fleurie 2016 ($25)
Love for Beaujolais continues unabated from wine industry professionals, whether sommeliers, wine writers, importers or winemakers. Yet, the general consuming public still hasn’t moved beyond the notion of Gamay as Beaujolais nouveau, the quick-trick bubblegum wine under heavy promotion by Georges Duboeuf every November. In fact, the region is divided into ten villages identified for quality, called “crus”—and Fleurie is one of them. These wines have structure, tannin and fruit concentration and can age beneficially for a few years, including this lovely bottle from Julien Revillon.
Schroeder Estate Patagonia Pinot Noir 2016 ($20)
Chilean wine continues to come of age for wine lovers. Though this New World country has 500 years of viticultural history, its modern wine industry has only seen a few decades of robust modernization focused largely around the vast Central Valley. Now, intrepid winemakers are forging into the farthest corners of the country to discover new opportunities to make fresh wines, including the southern stretches of Patagonia. Where the weather is cooler and the rain often fiercer, Patagonia’s landscape is proving a match for pinot noir. Schroeder Estate delivers on that promise with this pure, fruit-driven bottle for less than $20.
Thorle Spatburgunder Rheinhessen Probstey 2016 ($50)
Germany continues to populate lists as an origin of summer wines because of its cooler climate. By straddling the northern edge of Europe’s viticultural belt, resulting wines have lower alcohol, higher acidity and unparalleled lightness. Though a decade ago German pinot noir was hardly a thing, today it’s making a case to become the next burgundy. The German word for pinot noir is Spatburgunder, and this 12.5% alcohol example from Rheinhessen shows off the bright, precise red fruits that make German pinot noir compelling.
Barbera d’Alba G.D. Vajra 2017 ($25)
Come summer, do you tuck into roasted cherry tomatoes over pasta? Throw pizzas topped in zucchini blossoms on the grill? Then Barbera d’Alba should have a spot in your wine repertoire. This grape is the go-to for locals in Piemonte, Italy, when they’re not drinking Barolo. Even winemakers can’t drink tannin bombs every night. Barbera, on the other hand, offers pretty cherries and plums with a hint of fresh-tilled garden dirt in its silky format. In other words, it goes down easy. G.D. Vajra produces beautiful Nebbiolos, too, but for two to three times the price.
Gauthier Bourguiel Jour de Soif Domaine du Bel Air 2017 ($18)
Certain wines taste better when slightly chilled. Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley is one of them. Better known as a component of Bordeaux blends, Cab Franc’s spiritual homeland, where it’s produced as a single varietal wine, falls midway along the Loire River around Chinon and Bourgeuil. The wines also represent great value as they remain underappreciated. The Guathier family farms Domaine du Bel Air organically. Jour de Soif, an expressive, light red, comes from 20-year-old vines. The wine sees very little new oak during aging, spotlighting the taste of the grapes and terroir only.
Escarpment ‘Te Rehua’ Pinot Noir Martinborough 2014 ($40)
If you’re familiar with New Zealand pinot noir, then you’ve likely drunk wines from Central Otago. This star region of the South Island commands most of the spotlight. However, the North Island makes gorgeous pinot, too. Unfortunately, small quantities and export costs lead to high prices for American consumers. So finding a lovely bottle for under $40 is like waking up to a unicorn in your backyard. Fruit purity and ripeness (without being boisterous like California’s) defines Martinborough, and Escarpment’s Te Rehua encapsulates the style. A touch of age has rounded the edges.
Renwood ‘Premier Old Vine’ Zinfandel 2015 ($20)
Though not technically born of North American soil, zinfandel has become as American as apple pie. In fact, the grape’s origin traces back to Croatia, from where it made its way through Italy, eventually crossing our border to make a home in California. A true immigrant of a wine, zinfandel has thrived, leading to some of the oldest surviving vine material in the country, and Amador County boasts a trove of such vines. Though Zin makes big, fruity, even bombastic wines, they pair well with summer BBQ favorites from ribs and burgers to slow-smoked pork butt. The Renwood ‘Old Vine’ offers a taste of America’s vinous history for less than $20.
