Pique-Nique Wines

Everybody loves a picnic, especially now that summer is around the corner. It is time to plan a day at the beach, lake, river, pond, park, or even in your own backyard, where you can decompress in the sun with good friends, food, and maybe a bottle of wine or two. Okay, definitely a bottle of wine or two.

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© Molly Surbridge

The choice of wine, however, is crucial! At this intersection of the outdoors and picnic food, the wine you pick must match the free-spirited contentment of sitting on a patch of cool, green grass with your close ones. When selecting a bottle to bring on a picnic, I value wines that are above all fun, fresh, and delicious. Secondary factors are versatility and chill-ability. Before you load up the cooler, consider my top picks—I speak from experience:

2011 SAUVIGNON BLANC “UNIQUE” • DOMAINE DU SALVARD
Bright and zesty, keep it as cold as possible for maximum refreshment.
$14.95 per bottle

2011 PETTIROSSO ALLEGRO • PUNTA CRENA
Pink, bubbly, full of life, what more could you ask! Sure to put a smile on your face and get you feeling vivace.
$18.00 per bottle

2012 LANGUEDOC ROSÉ • DOMAINE DU POUJOL
Try it with some cold cuts and cheese or just pour it on its own. On a picnic, you might appreciate its screw cap.
$16.00 per bottle

2011 RAISINS GAULOIS • M. LAPIERRE
Light, juicy faux-Morgon…a classic. Chill it and drink it! Roll over in the grass laughing when you consider what you paid for it.
$12.95 per bottle

2011 BOURGUEIL “TRINCH!” • C. & P. BRETON
Fruit-driven Cabernet Franc that goes great with roast chicken, a chicken sandwich, or whatever you decide to eat.
$22.00 per bottle

2011 CORVINA VERONESE “BECCO ROSSO” • CORTE GARDONI
In the event you find yourself in the vicinity of a grill and happen to come across some raw meat during your picnic, you’re in luck! The Becco Rosso has your back in such situations.
$18.00 per bottle

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 © Melanie Yee

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