Top Wines to Enjoy in the Summer Months

As the summer sun shines bright, it's time for wine lovers to embark on a delightful journey through the world of summer wines. Whether you're planning a picnic, hosting a barbecue, or simply enjoying a warm evening on the patio, the right selection of wines can elevate your summer experience. When it comes to summer wines, there are a few key characteristics that make them stand out. They are often light-bodied, crisp, and refreshing, offering a delightful escape from the heat. 

Raise Your Glass to Summer: Best Wines for Wine Lovers

When summer arrives, it's time to raise your glass and celebrate the season with the best wines carefully curated for wine lovers. From vibrant whites to elegant reds, these selections will enhance your summer experience and bring joy to your palate. When pairing a wine with the summer months, several key components come into play to enhance the overall experience. Consider the following elements:

  • Refreshing Acidity: Opt for wines with vibrant acidity as they provide a refreshing and crisp sensation, perfect for combating the summer heat. Wines with higher acidity cut through rich or oily foods and offer a clean and palate-cleansing effect.

  • Lighter Body: Summer calls for lighter-bodied wines that are easy to drink and don't weigh you down. Look for wines that are not overly tannic or heavy on the palate. Lighter-bodied wines are often more refreshing and can be enjoyed even when served slightly chilled.

  • Crisp and Fruity Flavors: Seek wines that showcase bright and crisp fruit flavors. Citrus, tropical fruits, stone fruits, and red berries can add a refreshing and vibrant dimension to your summer wine selection.

  • Versatile Food Pairings: Choose wines that pair well with a variety of summer dishes. Whether you're grilling seafood, enjoying a fresh salad, or indulging in a light pasta, versatile wines will complement a range of flavors and enhance your dining experience.

  • Chilled Serving: During the summer months, serving wines slightly chilled can be particularly enjoyable. This helps to accentuate their refreshing qualities and provides a cooling effect. 

  • Outdoor-Friendly: Consider the setting in which you'll be enjoying your wine. If you're planning outdoor picnics, barbecues, or gatherings, opt for wines that are easy to transport, have screw caps or lightweight closures, and can withstand warmer temperatures.

Chilled Reds: A Surprising Twist for Summer

While red wines are often associated with cooler months, chilled reds can be a delightful surprise during the summer. Light-bodied red wines like Cabernet Franc or Syrah, when served slightly chilled, provide a refreshing twist without sacrificing flavor. For example Pinot Noir, known for its elegance and finesse, can also be a fantastic choice for summer,due to its lighter body, versatility, and complexity. 

The New Deal Restaurant features chilled reds like the Lo-Fi Cab Franc from Santa Barbara County in 2020 or the "Crunchie Roastie" Syrah from Ballard Canyon in 2020. These lighter-bodied reds, served slightly chilled, offer a unique experience with their bright fruit flavors, gentle tannins, and a touch of coolness. They pair beautifully with grilled meats, charcuterie, or even a casual backyard barbecue.

Unveiling the Top White Wines for Summer: A Wine Lover's Guide

  • Sauvignon Blanc: with its vibrant acidity and zesty flavors, is a go-to choice for many wine lovers during the summer months. This white wine showcases notes of citrus, tropical fruits, and fresh herbs, making it a perfect match for seafood dishes, salads, and light appetizers. 

  • Riesling: a versatile wine that shines in the summer months. With its range of styles, from bone-dry to off-dry, Riesling offers a delightful balance of acidity and fruitiness. Explore the New Deal Restaurant's selection of Rieslings, particularly those from Vandenberg Santa Barbara County, to experience the crispness and aromatic profiles that make this wine a perfect match for warm weather.

  • Chenin Blanc: with its refreshing acidity and diverse range of styles, is a must-try for wine lovers during the summer. The Ernesto Wickenden Santa Maria Valley Chenin Blanc available at the New Deal Restaurant presents a captivating combination of citrus, stone fruits, and floral notes. Whether you prefer a dry or off-dry expression, Chenin Blanc offers a versatile and satisfying experience.

Wine Pairings: Elevating Summer Dining

Pairing the right wine with your summer meals can elevate your dining experience to new heights. Whether you're enjoying fresh seafood, crisp salads, or grilled specialties, the New Deal Restaurant's knowledgeable staff can guide you in finding the perfect wine pairing. With their expertise and the diverse selection available, you can create harmonious combinations that bring out the best flavors in both the food and the wine.

Rosé Wine: A Refreshing Summer Delight Perfect for Pairing with Light Fare

Rosé wine is a perfect choice for the summer months, capturing the essence of the season with its refreshing and vibrant character. Its appealing blush pink color and lively acidity make it incredibly inviting. Rosé wines are versatile and pair well with a wide range of summer dishes. Their crispness and fruit-forward nature beautifully complement light and fresh fare such as salads, seafood, grilled vegetables, and charcuterie. Additionally, the fruit-driven flavors of rosé, often featuring notes of strawberries, raspberries, and citrus, make it an excellent match for outdoor picnics, patio gatherings, or simply enjoying a glass on a warm afternoon. 

Grenache, and the New Deal Restaurant has a delightful option for wine enthusiasts. Their Rosé Grenache, such as the "Love You Bunches" from 2020, captures the essence of summer with its vibrant pink hue and a bouquet of red berries, watermelon, and hints of floral aromas. This refreshing and fruit-forward wine is perfect for sipping on warm afternoons or pairing with light summer fare like salads, grilled seafood, or fresh fruits.

Raise a Glass at the New Deal Restaurant: Discovering the Finest Wines

When it's time to raise a glass and celebrate the summer, the New Deal Restaurant stands out as a destination for wine lovers. With their commitment to quality and a carefully curated wine list, they offer an exceptional experience for those seeking the best wines to enjoy in the summer months. From their selection of Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Rosé Grenache, and more, the New Deal Restaurant is a wine lover's paradise. 

Home and Here – Two Good Places to Eat!

The New Deal Restaurant & Wine Bar is a family-owned restaurant offering an elevated take on nostalgic American dishes, surrounded by relaxed, 1930s revival décor. We have a vast selection of wine, beer, and cocktails. And with the right wine or beer paired with your meal, you will not only enhance the flavors of the food, you will also make each bite or sip more memorable!

The New Deal Restaurant is located in Magnolia Park at 3501 W Magnolia Blvd. in the charming Magnolia Park neighborhood. Call ahead for reservations: (818) 861-7731 or order online for pick up or delivery today! 

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Mastering Wine Selection & Tasting

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Food & Drink Pairing: An Essential Aspect of Dining