Celebrating the birth of our nation always brings people together for a great day of food, fireworks, and fun.  Beer will no doubt be consumed during these festivities, but what about the wine? Choosing the perfect wine to complement barbecue, hors d'oeuvres, and snacks can be a bit tricky…and downright confusing for some.  Fear not! Your friendly neighborhood Wine Consultant is here with some suggestions of wine from our great country to certainly make your party shine.

Salty snacks in the hot afternoon sun are a great way to kick off your Fourth of July party, but boy can that ever make you thirsty.  How to quench that insatiable summertime thirst?  A nice, crisp American rosé, of course.  The Maysara Pinot Noir Rosé Roseena ($16.99) from McMinnville Oregon offers a beautiful, vibrant acidity with aromas of rose petals, passion fruit, and honey.  Mouthfuls of strawberries and watermelon round out this delightful afternoon sipper.  

Now fire up the grill, it’s time to pair wine with some fantastic Fourth of July barbecue.  To stand up against big sauces, red meats, and grilled veggies, the obvious choice is a large and in charge American Zinfandel.  The Shannon Ridge Two Bud Zin ($24.99) is the perfect pic to pair with your food over fire.  A nose of blackberry, cherry, cracked black pepper, and creamy vanilla, soar over the charring with ease.  Tastes of raspberry jam, cherry, clove spice, and toasty oak, cut through even the thickest of barbecue sauces.  This Lake County bruiser will come out swingin' and rock your Fourth of July grill session with ease.

For a grand finale, light up your sparklers and open your sparkler.  The Laetitia Harvest Moon Ranch Brute ($26.99) from Arroyo Grande California, is the perfect match brighten an already fabulous fireworks show.  This bubbly masterpiece showcases summer straw, bing cherry, creme fraiche, and mandarin orange in a fabulous blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Blanc.  What better way to ring in the great birthday of America then with one of its finest sparking wines?  Laetitia can be enjoyed all day long, or as a great addition to a patriotic fireworks show.

This Fourth of July, be the talk of the party with perfect pairings.  Make your hors d'oeuvres sing, your barbecue explode with flavor, and your guests smile with wines that will help celebrate all things American.  Stop on by your local ABC and talk to a Wine Consultant, they will be sure to help you ring in Americas birthday the right way.  

Cheers,

Nathan Dale, Wine Consultant and Beer Consultant at ABC Fine Wine & Spirits on Boynton Beach Blvd. Follow me on Twitter at ABCbeerNathanD