Bill Elsey’s Wine Picks for Independence Day!

As the 4^th of July is right around the corner, we wanted to find out which wines are the perfect fits for the occasion. We asked the 2011 Texas Sommelier Conference winner, Bill Elsey if he would give some recommendations and we are so excited to try them!

He said to always look for wines that are:

   *Affordable (so you can easily buy multiple bottles!),

   *Refreshing,

   *Go well with traditional BBQ & summer time food,

   *And can appeal to a large crowd

A few of his recommendations include:

 

Canals & Munné Gran Reserva Cava Spain 2007: a great sparkling wine to serve all day long on the Fourth. It is perfectly balanced with notes of citrus, apple, mineral and toast. It is fresh and with crisp acidity making it easy to serve well chilled outside on the porch on in the back yard. This wine is a great aperitif and goes with just about any food. Retail in the Red Room $21

Cave de Samur "Les Pouches" Loire Valley, France Chenin Blanc 2011: This wine is bone dry and loaded with flavors of key lime, lemon zest, granny smith apple, and chalk. When it is as warm as it has been recently, and will continue to be for the Fourth, this is a wine to help you get through a hot afternoon by the pool. Retail in the Red Room $17

Cantine Barbera "La Bambina" Rosato 2011 Sicily, Italy: Rosés are the most versatile of all wines during the Fourth of July because they offer many of the same qualities that you find in light bodied red wines, while still providing a refreshing character, and you can serve them well chilled. This wine comes from southern Italy and is made from 100% Nero D'Avola grapes - an indigenous variety to the region. Fresh cherries, ripe strawberry and raspberry flavors are prevalent with a beautiful red floral note on the finish. Retail in the Red Room $17

Valdez Sonoma Zinfandel 2009 California - Sonoma Zinfandel is a great go-to option for the full bodied red wine enthusiasts this Fourth. The Jammy, rich, dark fruit character of the wine pairs perfectly with BBQ, Steaks and Burgers. This wine is an exclusive offering only available through the Red Room Lounge and offers tremendous power and depth of flavor for the price. Retail in the Red Room $39

Happy 4^th of July!