Summer Reds: 3 Month Membership (Box 3)

A very typical German red, this wine from one of the Pfalz's oldest, and most storied wineries, opens with notes of dark red fruit, a whiff of smoke, and a touch of minerality, while the palate is full and generous with the same flavors and a long finish with barely-there tannins.

A lovely wine to ponder on its own, the Limestone Red's dark red fruits make it a great match for game meats, anything pork that comes off the barbecue, or vegetables with a bit of char to them.

There's a phrase making the rounds in wine circles these days that we quite like: "Grenache delivers what Pinot promises." Known for making brash, fruit-driven wines in warm places like Priorat and Chateauneuf, there's a softer side to Grenache that talented producers, like Michael Corbett of Vanguardist Wines, are teasing out. This wine opens with definitive aromas of eucalyptus, fresh raspberry and cherry, and a touch of seabreeze, while the palate is ripe, and elegant with the same fruits, and long, soft tannins.

A perfect barbecue wine, enjoy this beside anything that comes off the grill, particularly all manners of pork and sausage. It will do very well beside heartier roast veggies like eggplant or mushrooms too.

While País may hardly be a household wine name, viticulture in both Americas, North and South, was built on this indomitable grape. Known as Mission in the US, this was the first European grape vine planted in the United States, accompanying the Spanish Missions that settled there. Carter Mollenhauer has teased out something marvelous from this usually-rugged variety, with an opulent nose of violets and star anise, dark, ripe red fruit, and just a bit of balsamic lift, the palate is long, weighty, and subtle with the same red fruit, and a long, lightly-tannic finish.

If you'd like to honor the Chilean origins of this fabulous red, fire up the grill and cook some asado, costillar de cerdo, or a tasty choripan. It's a perfect wine for grilling season, and will pair with near-everything cooked over a flame: bratwurst with sauerkraut and mustard, fire-grilled mushrooms with goat cheese, or even a pizza will all be superb.

Cinsault is one of our favorite wines to enjoy in the summertime - it's always light on its feet, and bright, with an unmistakable strawberry aroma of strawberries that reminds us of days spent in the sun. The Longavi Cinsault has all of that charming fruit on the nose and palate, but the old Chilean vines here also bring an uncommon depth and earthiness to the party.

A wine perfectly suited to enjoy on its own, chilled down, and served in a white wine glass, the Longavi will be superb beside lighter proteins too. Yakitori skewers, grilled pork loin with a sweeter reduction, or even a delicately grilled side of salmon will all be excellent.

A rare Gamay from true Burgundy terroir, Penlois' Coteaux Bourguignons brings all the charm and freshness of Beaujolais, and marries it with the brooding dark and earth of the world's most renowned wine region. Opening with pure, ripe blackberry and cherry, along with forest floor and wet stone, the palate is blockbuster, with the same ripe fruits, and barely-there tannin.

There's no better wine for burgers than Gamay, and this will be tremendous with a classic double. With plenty of depth and nuance, the Coteaux Bourguignons will play especially well beside other strongly-flavored meats like kielbasa, or a classic cassoulet.

The 2022 Caveau Quinard Gamay, originating from the picturesque Bugey region in Savoie, delights with its vibrant light red fruit characteristics and effusive aroma. The nose reveals an unexpected lushness. On the palate, this Gamay surprises with its substantial weight and depth, particularly in the mid-palate, unfolding into a direct red fruits. Soft, well-integrated tannins contribute to a smooth, enjoyable sip, a charming reflection of its terroir.

This Gamay's bright fruitiness and soft tannins make it an excellent match for a variety of dishes. A traditional Savoie fondue or raclette, with its rich, melted cheese, can contrast beautifully with the wine's lightness and acidity. For a vegetarian pairing, consider a beetroot and goat cheese salad, which will complement the wine's fruit notes and soft texture. A simple, herb-roasted chicken would also harmonize well too.