
Eating this?:
- Picnic Grub. All picnics are not created equal, but here I'm talking about lighter cheeses, ham, cold chicken, tuna salad sandwiches, fresh fruit, and of course some salty snacks.
- Riesling. A well chilled Riesling with a big of sweetness (an off-dry wine, not a sweet dessert style wine) will go nicely with a big variety of foods. I especially enjoy the interaction of a fruity Riesling with lightly smoked meats or cheeses. I am not talking about the "smoked mozzarella" where they package the stuff in liquid smoke, but something that was actually smoked.
- Bubbles. A simple sparkling wine - white or rosé is also very versatile, and can help turn a picnic into an even more special event. No need to go for anything expensive, just a simple California Sparkling wine, or my favorite a Spanish Cava - and you are good to go!
- Sauvignon Blanc. Especially if you are having any salads with acidic/vinegar based dressing or anything with fresh herbs - Sauvignon Blanc is a great choice. Stick with the crisp, stainless steel fermented and aged wines and not the heavier versions that see some time in oak barrels.
- Gewürztraminer. If someone points you in this direction, and some do for a picnic wine - they are not taking into account that this wine (although fun to say - gah vertz trah me ner) is actually not a very easy wine to match up with food. It can be high in alcohol, low in acidity and is really best with stronger cheeses and rich, fatty dishes. It is a very aromatic wine that is nice to sip on a hot day - but before or after that picnic only!
- Avoid Big Reds. Unless your going to be grilling up a steak at the park, or your basket is full of stronger cheeses and sausages - leave the big red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah at home. Lighter, fruitier reds like Pinot Noir or a Crianza Rioja would be better if you want to drink something red. Better yet - go just a little red and choose a Rosé.
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