There’s nothing quite like the ambiance of a meal enjoyed outdoors. Every year around this time, inspired by warmer weather, we like to put together a selection of wines in preparation and in anticipation of what’s to come this season; wines to cover any range of picnic foods, or platters of meat and fish you might be grilling, barbecuing, spit-roasting, or smoking outside.
     A palate-opener of something crisp and unpretentious is a great way to begin any alfresco meal. Perrusset’s Mâcon-Villages, or Mas Champart’s sundrenched, Mediterranean rosé are great alongside crudités or crab rillettes. For lighter but bolder fare, Cyriaque Rozier’s silky and aromatic Languedoc blanc will stand up to the pronounced flavors of anything from charred vegetables, crispy whole fish, or flame-kissed shrimp brochettes. Steiger-Kalena’s Montepulciano-based rosato, on the hearty and savory end of the rosé spectrum, will work here as well.
     Once the scent of grilled steak or smoked pork begins to waft through the air, you might start to crave an eminently drinkable red like Chanteleuserie’s classically stony and peppery Bourgueil, or Foillard’s thirst-slaking Beaujolais-Villages. There’s something undeniably carnal and satisfying about pairing chilled reds with hunks of freshly browned, smoky meat that’s still warm from the fire. Older Italian reds shine here as well: Terre del Vescovo’s Aglianico and Valpane’s Barbera-based “Perlydia” are luxurious foils to this type of cuisine; open-knit and velvety in texture, these wines release effusive aromas that will make even the most tender meat taste all the more devourable.
     Whatever you’re planning, we’re confident these selections capture the spirit of grilling season and those long, languorous meals enjoyed outdoors.