Grapes for the Grill

As Central Coast locals know, this time of year is actually our summer, before the onset of the coastal fog. Fortunately, outdoor grills work in all kinds of weather. Also, if you’re like me, the fewer dishes you have to clean the better, so regardless whether you cook over propane, coals, or wood the choice to grill is obvious.

Here are some picks from our local wineries that will match the heat of your grill. —Christian Garvin

2010 Grenache – Municipal Winemakers $27.00

Grenache often has a lot of tannins which, when paired with grilled cuisine, can be just right. This Grenache from Rodney’s Vineyard, smack dab in the middle of the Santa Ynez Valley, has just the right balance of fruit, tannin, and oak to be the prime candidate for pairing with red meats.

2009 Tempranillo – Longoria $36.00

This is the most widely planted varietal in Spain and it’s beginning to gain some traction in California. It was one of the fastest growing grape varietals by sales last year in the United States. The venerable Rick Longoria has really carved out a niche with his Spanish varietals, and this Clover Creek Vineyard-designate is a powerball of flavors and rich, American oak notes. Ideal for red meats and those other white meats.

2009 “eleven” Red Blend – andrew Murray Vineyards $18.00

A spoof on the cult classic film Spinal Tap, this wine is unapologetic in its over the top style. Too many grapes varieties and vineyards to list here but it spans the gamut from Cab to Sangiovese and you can’t beat the price. This is the burger wine (and I mean that in the nicest way).

2011 Harvest Girl Rosé - $16.00

Hopefully we are all finally embracing rosé for what it truly is—quite possibly the best food wine ever made. This affordable blend of Cabernet Franc, Grenache, and Syrah is the perfect alternative to red wines and will go with everything, including waiting for the coals to heat up or your brother-in-law to run to the store for more propane and ice.

There are two types of Sauvignon Blanc out there—crisp and, well, not so crisp. This is the former in a big way, hence the name. Despite being a 2010 vintage, this wine tastes like it just came out of the press. Big on citrus notes, this is the perfect partner for grilled vegetables, grilled oysters, and flaky fish.

2009 Riesling – Bedford Winery $20.00

Riesling is the white wine for red wine drinkers, and nobody knows their way around this grape better than Stephan Bedford. For 30 years he’s been preaching the benefits of the varietal, but only recently have people begun to realize that Riesling does not have to be overly sweet and sticky. When done in a dry, lowalcohol style, as it has been in Germany and France for generations, it yields wines that can handle even the heartiest of schnitzel and sausage.