I know the 4th of July is significant in many ways, but I always see it as a yearly gratitude check. Whether the White House is right, left or straight down the middle, or markets are up, down or on cruise control, I always conclude that at the end of the day there is no place I’d rather plant my fanny than right here in America and celebrate Uncle Sam’s birthday than with an All-American wine lineup.
Like proud Americans these wines aren’t afraid to wrap themselves in a star-spangled barbecue blanket.
As for the mandatory parties, some folks go for jumbo-sized gatherings while others opt to celebrate with a few close friends. Therefore, we will look at both bargain-priced and slightly pricey wines.
Sparklers
Keeping with the fireworks spirit of the occasion, we must celebrate with the liquid kind.
Big-bash bargain | Live from Sonoma County comes Korbel California Champagne and its full menu of traditional method bubbles from dry Brut and Blanc de Blanc to slightly sweet Extra Dry and full-on-sweet Sec. These are almost always on sale for less than $10 and are perennial bang-for-buck favorites.
Uncle Sam splurge| For a few dollars more, but still under $25, we have a myriad of American classics such as Sonoma’s J Vineyards & Winery, Napa’s Mumm and Mendocino’s Scharffenberger Cellars.
Whites
We need to look at wines with a little body and character to go with the wide-world of chips, salsas and salads of all sorts that guests always bring to a 4th fete.
Big-bash bargain | Pinot Gris/Grigio from the Pacific Northwest fills the bill here with value choices such as Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery from Washington or Erath Winery from Oregon being fine choices.
Uncle Sam splurge | Cool-climate California Chardonnay always wows guests and dances with picnic food in a way that richer versions just can’t match. Look for wines from regions in Santa Cruz or the cooler valleys of Santa Barbara for crisp, complex, spicy versions.
Reds
These reds are truly blue to complete our stars-and-stripes colored theme.
Big-bash bargain | If ever there was a wine that tasted like a freshly baked blueberry pie, it’s the Mark West Black Pinot Noir. Be sure to get the black-label version because it has a good dose of Petit Sirah in the cuvee and that makes all the difference.
Uncle Sam splurge | Lang & Reed’s Cabernet Franc is always one of California’s best from this grape. It delivers blueberries of a fresher variety along with plums, violets and lilacs and a spicy finish. It’s also a wonderful food wine.
Like proud Americans these wines aren’t afraid to wrap themselves in a star-spangled barbecue blanket, so invite them to your celebration. As always these are suggestions of wine types; feel free to substitute similar versions at will. Happy 4th.
