Wine and Beer: What to drink this Summer
June means summer and summer mean that pools are open, grills are lit, and people are spending as much time as possible outdoors. Summer is a great time to explore different wine and food pairings or try out a new beer. The five popular varietals of wine in America are Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, and Pinot Noir. According to Business Insider, there are 10 top beers in America that include Founders Brewing Co. All Day IPA (TIE), and Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Pale Ale (TIE).
Types of Wine and Food Pairings
There are over 7,700 wineries across the country, in all of the 50 states that grow Chardonnay. Chardonnay is a popular and diverse white wine has various flavors like pear, citrus, and apple, according to totalwine.com. Shrimp skewers with vegetables are a good match for Chardonnay. According to winecoolerdirect.com, the deep char of grilled shrimp skewers needs something lush and rich to offset its sharpness, and no wine can do that better than Chardonnay.
Pinot Grigio, a crisp and dry white wine, has flavors of lemon, and apple. The zesty flavors pair with seafood like lobster and halibut. Wine Cooler Direct says that most people choose Pinot Grigio, wine with racy acidity to pair with rich, buttery lobster. The tartness of Pinot Grigio pairs well with shrimp and squid as well.
Cabernet Sauvignon is a red wine popular amongst Americans. It’s known for its rich color and alcohol content, which can be above 13%, according to Vine Pair. Cabernet Sauvignon is a dry wine, which means it isn’t sweet. If consumed alone or quickly, it can be strong or overwhelming due to the amount of alcohol in it. Ribs, tofu, chicken, and vegetables all pair well with a red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon.
Pinot Noir is a red wine that is light and tart, with flavors like cherry and strawberry. Aged varietals feature flavors like vanilla and oak. Pinot Noir is fragile and sensitive. It can be difficult to grow and must be handled with a care. The delicacy and processing of Pinot noir make it highly sought-after and age-worthy wine, according to retailer Total Wine. Food Pairings for Pinot Noir range from braised chicken to a simple bruschetta. Other options include ham, pork, and pasta.
Merlot is an elegant red wine, the second most popular in America, according to Vine Pair. It has a smooth body and is less tart than white wines, making it enjoyable by itself. It is an easy-drinking wine that can be paired with foods like veal, salad, pork, or grilled hamburgers.
Beer Bottles not Wine Bottles
Although wine is great, not everyone enjoys it in the summer. Beer is popular in summer; grabbing a “cold one” at the game or filling a cooler for a barbeque is recommended. There are four distinct craft beer industry market segments: brewpubs, microbreweries, regional craft breweries and contract brewing companies. This means beer comes in many varieties and flavors and can be found all over the world. Small and local beer breweries are growing and now account for 12 percent market share of the overall beer industry. Nine times out of ten, there’s a local beer brewery near you that creates its own unique flavors or brands.
Local beer and liquor stores provide many types of beer and wine. However, if you want a more expertise or knowledge with your liquor, you want a local beer store like Peco’s in Delaware who’s sold growlers, wine, and spirits for over eight years. Or, America’s oldest brewery, Yuengling, a brewery with multiple stores selling liquor for over 100 years. If you get the chance, head into your local liquor store, or one of these, and learn more about local beer, types of beer, and breweries. Beer is continuously changing and sure to satisfy a taste for beer all year round, especially in the summer.
Whether its a 12 pack of beer or a bottle of wine, alcohol should be consumed responsibly. If you drink, be sure to drink water to avoid dehydration in the heat. So, grab your favorite alcohol, hit the pool, and grill it up this summer.
