Wine Wednesday on 30a

Story by Sarah Murphy Robertson

Hot enough for you? While white wines quench thirst all over America, we have a couple alternate ideas for good summertime sips.

Sparkling wines are great warm weather options. Both Cava and Prosecco are affordable and perfect for brunching poolside in a tart mimosa, as an aperitif, or with shellfish dishes. Try it alongside a grilled shrimp salad for example. Ruffino Prosecco is an Italian bubbly; fragrantly floral with hints of apple and pear.

Summer is also synonymous with backyard barbequing. Central America has some wonderful wine varietals to accompany those delicious and spicy grilled red meats. One we really love is the Carmenere. The Santa Rita Medalla Real Carmenere 2008 from Chile has aromas of blackberry, blueberry, and vanilla. It is a very smooth wine which would pair beautifully with sticky, yummy smoky ribs or a more finessed meal of filet mignon with fresh herbs and garlic.