Wines for Labor Day Picnics

Filed in archive Holiday Wine on August 29, 2007

Do any of you U.S. readers have plans for the upcoming Labor Day holiday? Barbeques and picnics are always popular over the holiday weekend as we unofficially end summer and welcome the fall. Kids will be going back to school (my oldest will be headed to Kindergarten!), routines will be the norm again, and cooler temperatures will soon have us all craving heavier-bodied wines. But for now there's still time to sit outside, soak in the sun, and enjoy a last bit of relaxation.

Newsday has 12 reccomendations for wines that will help you wind down summer in style:

2005 Patz & Hall Napa Valley Chardonnay ($36): Creamy, elegant, delightful, from a first-class producer. Great with lobster.

2005 Tenuta Rapitala "Nuar" Nero d'Avola / Pinot Nero ($14): Fragrant, balanced, vivid, Sicilian red.

2006 Castello Monaci "Liante" Salice Salentino ($12): A fruity, concentrated, Pugliese red.

2006 Alba Rosa Albarino ($15): Crisp, easygoing wine from Rias Baixas. Ideal with seafood.

2005 Sombrero Rojo 2nd Ano ($12): Hearty Rioja made with tempranillo. Red-meat alert.

2005 Girard Napa Valley Petite Sirah ($28): Full-bodied, earthy, Rhone-style winner.

2005 Migration Anderson Valley Pinot Noir ($32): Inviting, bright, berry-driven winner from the dependable Duckhorn Wine Co.

2005 Willowbrook Estate Grown Russian River Valley Pinot Noir ($34): Ruby, supple, diverting and full of fine red fruit.

2001 Cape Mentelle Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon ($15): Black-fruit, brick-red, sturdy Australian.

2005 Cloudy Bay Marlborough Chardonnay ($26): Bracing, citrusy New Zealander.

2005 Cellar No. 8 Zinfandel ($10): Robust, briary, cherry, peppery red. Get the barbecue ready.

2006 Robert Mondavi Private Selection Pinot Grigio ($10): Tropical fruit; crisp company for seafood.