What Pairs with an American Holiday? Wine from the United States!

The July 4 weekend is upon us and I’m ready! Since Independence Day falls on a Sunday, many friends I know are extending their holiday to celebrate from Friday, July 2 to Monday, July 5. And you know what that means, don’t you? Open the wine and wave the flag!

Fortunately, I found four wines (sent as samples) from producers who embody the American spirit. Thanks to their affordability, I encourage you to purchase multiple bottles of each. From wineries in the Golden State of California, find one (or all) to pair with snacks, appetizers, anything you put on the grill or picnic basket and, of course, good friends and brilliant conversation as we pay homage to our great country.

What’s a celebratory weekend without a glass or two of bubbles? J Vineyards & Winery Cuvèe 20 ($38) from the Russian River Valley delivers exactly what we need to start the festivities. As one of the top sparkling and varietal wine producers in California since 1986 (with 12 different sparkling wines available for purchase), this elegant, vibrant wine begs to be open.

Produced using the Traditional Method whereby the second fermentation is in the bottle, the wine was aged in the winery’s cool cellars for about 30 months. Dancing bubbles were persistent as I sipped this sparkling blend of 54% Chardonnay and 46% Pinot Noir. On the nose, I found lush fruit and nutty flavors thanks in part to the years of aging on the lees. Elements of golden apple, orange, baked lemon bars, almonds, brioche and caramel on the palate were decadent… and I loved it! (For more about Judy Jordan and J Vineyards & Winery, click here.)

Well priced and delicious, The Paring Sauvignon Blanc 2019 ($19.99) is a refreshing white wine choice, especially on a warm and sunny afternoon. Winemaker Matt Dees offers a young yet complex Sauvignon Blanc that was aged in 1/3 new French oak, 1/3 neutral French oak, and 1/3 stainless steel for 10 months. The result is a balanced, bold wine with intense aromas of green grass, stone fruit, fresh peaches, lemon, juicy melon and flowers. On the palate, I noted elegance from the first sip to the last. Refreshing and snappy, tropical fruit, crisp apple and apricots flavors were lifted by a precise thread of acidity. The lingering finish was oh-so satisfying. (For my article about The Paring Syrah 2018, click here.)

 

Any time is rosé time, in my humble opinion. Pedroncelli Signature Selection Rosé 2020 of Zinfandel ($17) is just as exceptional with savory, lean turkey burgers as it is with pasta salad or a fruit-based dessert. Striking pale pink color in the glass, aromas of just-picked roses, juicy strawberries and spice were an enticing entry. Tart notes of ripe cherries and raspberries, cinnamon and hint of cloves were followed by a flavorful and refreshing finish. Chill and drink now! (For more about the Pedroncelli family story, click here.)

Nothing shouts “America” like The Federalist Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 ($23.99)! Spend an afternoon at the baseball game (the Chicago Cubs, perhaps?) and cheer for your team as you indulge in this powerful wine from grapes cultivated in Lodi. Bold and unique, rich and broad, this full-bodied wine offered aromas and flavors of blueberries, blackberries, plums, black cherries and cinnamon while on a foundation of firm tannins and bright acidity. The Federalist portfolio of wines are created to harness the revolutionary spirit of America’s founding fathers. (For more about Federalist wines and Hamilton, the hit Broadway show, click here.)

What better way to honor our country’s independence than by pouring wines from those who represent the American spirit and dream? Enjoy the holiday weekend!

Cheers! ~ Cindy

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