Everyone knows that Labor Day is heralded as the official kickoff to summer, but Independence Day is the summer holiday that consistently brings families, neighborhoods, and communities together to celebrate. The pools are open, boats are in the water, and fireworks light the skies. While there are sure to be coolers filled with seltzers and beers at get-togethers this long holiday weekend, there also should be a selection of American wines.
Yes, American wine.
Our homegrown wine pairs well with a wide variety of dishes, offer non-beer drinkers another option, and has been growing in popularity over the last decade. Plus, the wine industry in the United States has been consistently turning heads internationally with award-winning vintages, experimental bottlings, and their consistently high quality.
To help you find a few bottles that will spice up things, we reached out to wine experts Philippe Vasilescu and Matthieu Yomoum, the founders of the soon-to-open Maison MURA in Miami. The blended premium wine shop, tasting room, and restaurant will open in September. Designed to immerse consumers in a bespoke wine experience, it is the culmination of several years of planning by the two Frenchmen to create a place that presents wine drinking as a passion that all can enjoy. One spot where they have worked over the years to infuse their love of wine is into America’s biggest holiday.
Concept art of the interior of the soon to open Maison MURA in Miami.
“The 4th of July is one of the biggest holidays in the United States, and Americans should be really proud of the wine produced here. It’s quite diverse and fantastic and can quickly step up a party,” says Yomoum. “We chose these top American wines for the holiday because they embody an independence spirit. In addition, they pair well with outdoor dining dishes such as traditional BBQ foods and seafood.”
Here are their six selections that will step up any party all summer long.
Schramsberg, Mirabelle Brut Rosé: This Brut Rosé is a crafted blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Schramsberg vineyards in the Napa-Carneros, Sonoma Coast, Anderson Valley, and Marin County areas of California’s North Coast. The multi-vintage Mirabelle Rosé is delicious on its own. Still, it also pairs well with everything from grilled salmon, to BBQ pork ribs, to a Caprese salad. It also pairs well with special Fourth of July desserts such as apple pie and cheesecake. $32
Domaine Drouhin Oregon, Édition Rosé: This Edition Rose is made entirely from Dundee Hills Estate Pinot Noir. It is a favorite spring and summer wine for many as it has hints of zested lime and red cherries and aromas of apricot, candied peach, and ripe cantaloupe. This silky rosé pairs well with anything from BBQ starters such as salads (pasta salad, potato salad, egg salad, etc.) to grilled shrimp, pork, and vegetables. $30
Ken Wright Cellars, Willamette Valley Chardonnay: This Oregon Chardonnay wine has vivid flavors and a long finish of lemon zest, yellow apple, and saline. It is the perfect mix of not too dry and not too fruity. Moreover, it pairs well with baked oysters, fish, grilled pork, vegetables, and poultry. $38
HEALDSBURG, CA – AUGUST 20: An outdoor winery dinner takes place in the middle of a pinot noir … [+]
Kutch, Sonoma Coast, Pinot Noir: This medium to total-bodied red wine is perfect for our meat lovers, especially if you like hamburgers and hotdogs. It works perfectly alongside beef, veal, deer, and poultry with hints of red fruits, oaky notes, and earthy notes. It truly is a superb American pinot noir. $64
Teeter-Totter, Cabernet Sauvignon: This Napa Valley Cabernet is a bold, thick red with oaky, earthy, and black fruit notes. A dense red wine, it’s a favorite amongst many, especially on summer nights with friends and family. This cabernet pairs well with barbecue meats (pork ribs, chicken, lamb chops, kebabs, etc.) and highlights any BBQ sauce flavor. $79
Dalla Gasperina Vineyards, Sauvignon Blanc: It is light gold and has notes of white peaches, orange blossoms, and apricots. It pairs perfectly with grilled seafood or shellfish. It’s fantastic with grilled shrimp or salmon. If you are cooking any seafood, stock a few bottles of this; you won’t be sorry. $36