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Long-Weekend Luxury
Check out these recipes and wines to enjoy over the Fourth of July weekend
Whether or not you have a boss nice enough to give you a four-day weekend this year for Independence Day, there's still no better time to head to the beach or the park for a picnic. Of course, if it's blistering hot, you'll want food and wine that's perfect for chilling out and relaxing in the shade, so we've pulled together a list of crisp summer whites and fresh, fun recipes that are simple to prepare, dish out and enjoy. You can also use our Recipe Search to find even more.
In addition to summer whites, we've also listed some of the best rosés we've tasted recently, which are just as perfect for sipping while you watch the fireworks. (OK, so these wines aren't American, but as the nation that brought us White Zinfandel, sometimes it's wise to venture beyond our borders.) Best of all, the wines are light on the wallet for the nice refreshment they'll provide throughout the long holiday weekend.
And in case it's too hot to even think of leaving the air-conditioning (or if it's depressingly rainy), check out the DVD of A President's Passion--a perfect way to celebrate the holiday while learning more about wine. The documentary, previously aired on PBS, is an informative and entertaining look at Thomas Jefferson's interest in and love for wine. So if you're a patriot and a wine lover, this is the perfect indoor TV viewing for you this weekend (if there's no golf on).
Happy Fourth of July!
Recipes
| Wine |
Score |
Price |
| |
| TWO WIVES Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley 2005 |
88 |
$15 |
| Rich, intense and full-bodied, with a fleshy texture and complex fig, floral, citrus and lemon-lime notes that are focused and long on the finish. Drink now. 670 cases made. -- J.L. |
| |
| CHALONE Chenin Blanc Chalone 2004 |
87 |
$22 |
| Rich and ripe, this is Chenin Blanc with the pedal to the metal. Complex flavors of pear and apple with a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg that build to a spicy oak finish. Drink now. 336 cases made. |
| |
| PEPPERWOOD GROVE Pinot Grigio California 2005 |
86 |
$8 |
| Fresh and fun, with aromas of citrus, orange blossom and jalapeño pepper. Full-bodied for a Pinot Grigio, but it retains appealing peach and orange flavors. Drink now. 27,500 cases made. -- J.L. |
| |
| NO Sauvignon Blanc Lake County 2005 |
86 |
$10 |
| Rich and concentrated, with firm, focused quince, grapefruit and citrus blossom flavors that are crisp and refreshing. Drink now. 7,000 cases made. -- J.L. |
| |
| TALUS COLLECTION Pinot Grigio Lodi 2005 |
85 |
$8 |
| Refreshing, with peach, lime, kiwi and citrus flavors and a juicy acidity balancing well on a medium frame. Drink now. 66,404 cases made. |
| |
| BLACKSTONE Pinot Grigio Monterey County 2005 |
85 |
$12 |
| Juicy citrus, melon, apricot, and lime peel notes are mouthwatering, finishing with a pleasant toasted almond flavor. Drink now. 18,000 cases made. -- J.L. |
| |
| LUNA Pinot Grigio Napa County 2005 |
85 |
$18 |
| Vibrant aromas of stone fruit, grass and vanilla join with tart, herbal, citrusy flavors. Drink now. 30,000 cases made. |
| |
| CHATEAU POTELLE Sauvignon Blanc Mendocino County 2004 |
85 |
$15 |
| Dry, herbal and earthy, with grass, earth, lemon rind and floral notes that end with a trace of bitterness. Drink now. 4,825 cases made. -- J.L. |
| |
| STELTZNER Sauvignon Blanc Napa-Lake Counties 2005 |
85 |
$18 |
| Intense and lively, with distinctive earthy herb, lemongrass, and quince flavors. Drink now. 2,400 cases made. -- J.L. |
| Wine |
Score |
Price |
| |
CHÂTEAU DU DONJON Minervois Rosé 2005 |
88 |
$11 |
| Complex rosé, with loads of mineral, ripe raspberry and dark cherry flavors, with an alluring finish of smoke and spice. Drink now. 6,000 cases made. -- K.M. |
| |
| CHÂTEAU DE LANCYRE Coteaux du Languedoc Rosé Pic St.-Loup 2005 |
88 |
$14 |
| Rich, ripe and fruity, with a supple texture and bright flavors of plum, apricot, berry and melon. Quite spicy on the finish. Drink now. 4,000 cases made. -- K.M. |
| |
| DOMAINES LISTEL Vin de Pays des Sables du Golfe du Lion Gris de Gris Pink Flamingo NV |
87 |
$9 |
| Light on its feet, with a delicious minerally sea salt component backed up by dried cherry and raspberry flavors. Bright, crunchy finish. Drink now. 10,000 cases made. -- K.M. |
| |
| SHINGLEBACK Grenache McLaren Vale Rosé 2005 |
87 |
$17 |
| Dry, pale pink and lively and appealing for its juicy raspberry and watermelon flavors. Drink now. 2,500 cases made. -- H.S. |
| |
| LA VIEILLE FERME Côtes du Ventoux Rosé 2005 |
87 |
$8 |
| Wonderfully fresh, with dried strawberry, red cherry and mineral notes. Has some nice weight too, which should work well with summer fare. Drink now. 41,665 cases made. -- J.M. |
| |
| MARQUÉS DE CÁCERES Rioja Rosado 2005 |
86 |
$8 |
| This dry rosé shows real structure, with bold cherry and plum flavors, firm acidity and light tannins. Can stand up to food. Drink now. 25,000 cases imported. -- T.M. |
| |
| ARGIOLAS Isola dei Nuraghi Serralori 2005 |
85 |
$15 |
| Strawberry and light cherry aromas follow through to a medium-bodied palate, with good fruit and a juicy finish. Delicious. Cannonau. Drink now. 10,000 cases made. -- J.S. |
| |
| LES COSTIÈRES DE POMEROLS Syrah Vin de Pays d'Oc Rosé Beauvignac 2005 |
85 |
$10 |
| Very pretty coppery color, with delicate dried cherry and red plum flavors and savory herbs on the finish. Drink now. 22,000 cases made. -- K.M. |
| |
| VIÑA DOÑA PAULA Malbec Luján de Cuyo Rosé Los Cardos 2005 |
85 |
$9 |
| This rosé is forward and juicy with strawberry and red cherry notes that stay lively on the round finish. Drink now. 4,000 cases made. -- J.M. |
| |
| CAVE DES VIGNERONS DE SAUMUR Cabernet de Saumur Rosé Réserve des Vignerons 2005 |
85 |
$10 |
| Nice, dry rosé, with cherry and floral notes and a fresh finish. Ideal summer aperitif. Drink now. 5,000 cases made. -- J.M. |
