The summer cookout is a staple of the season (something almost as American as apple pie) and more often than not, the good, old-fashion hamburger takes center stage. Now, nothing elevates a hearty meal like the right bottle of wine, and there are a lot of great small-production wineries making top-notch stuff. So we figure, why not enhance the tradition of the American cookout with some boutique, uniquely American wines? Here are some great options for when you’re grilling burgers:
Howell Mt. Vineyards 2012 “Old Vine” Zinfandel
Grape(s): 100% Zinfandel
Region: Howell Mt, Napa Valley
Price: 40-45
Tasting Notes:
Aromas of blackberries, cherries, and plums mingle with hints of white pepper, vanilla, and cola on the nose. A sip delivers flavors of bramble fruit, cherry, and plum that flow into traces of spice, earth, and toasty vanilla. A plush red with lively highlights, enjoy a bottle with a cheddar burger. 250 cases produced.
Rating: 90
Zenaida 2012 Zinfandel
Grape(s): 100% Zinfandel
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Price: 30-35
Tasting Notes:
A bouquet of strawberry, cranberry, floral spice, and creamy oak greets the senses. The palate offers flavors of bramble fruits, cranberries, and strawberries alongside whispers of pepper and vanilla. Smooth and bright, open a bottle at your next cookout. 295 cases were made.
Rating: 90
Vina Robles 2012 “Red 4” Blend
Grape(s): 50% Petite Sirah, 20% Syrah, 20% Grenache, & 10% Mourvedre
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Price: 15-20
Tasting Notes:
Raspberries, plums, and cranberries meld with traces of pepper and bacon on the nose. Flavors of cherry, raspberry, and cranberry come together with highlights of spice, herbs, and minerals on the palate. It’s an inviting Rhone-Style blend that’s ideal for your next get together. 15,799 cases produced.
Rating: 89
Eberle 2013 Zinfandel
Grape(s): 100% Zinfandel
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Price: 25-30
Tasting Notes:
Fragrances of raspberries, strawberries, spice, and vanilla rise up from a glass. The palate delivers flavors of blackberry, raspberry, and strawberry that flow into hints of cedar and sweet spice. Lush fruit and elegant tannins, make it a wine that will please a crowd. 1,488 cases were made.
Rating: 90
Midnight Cellars 2012 “Full Moon” Red
Grape(s): 50% Zinfandel, 40% Syrah & 10% Merlot
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Price: 15-20
Tasting Notes:
The nose offers aromas of cherries, plums, and raspberries along with a hint of pepper. With a sip, flavors of raspberry, boysenberry, and plum blend among suggestions of white pepper and minerals. Ample fruit and a highlight of spice dear this wine to any cheeseburger you want. 3,100 cases produced.
Rating: 88
Sol Rouge 2012 Zinfandel
Grape(s): 100% Zinfandel
Region: Lake County, Ca
Price: 25-30
Tasting Notes:
Aromatics of raspberries, cherries, and blackberries meld with notes of clove, all-spice, and white pepper on the nose. Flavors of cherry, blackberry, and plum emerge on the palate, along with highlights of sweet spice and pepper. A lighter red with lively flavors, it’s very nice to sip alone but a bottle could also be enjoyed with a juicy hamburger. 150 cases were made.
Rating: 91
Rail-2-Rail 2013 OldVine Zinfandel
Grape(s): 95% Zinfandel & 5% Tannat
Region: Lodi, Ca
Price: 15-20
Tasting Notes:
A bouquet of strawberries, raspberries, plums, and spice rises up from a glass. The palate offers flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and blackberry that flow into hints of white pepper and herbs. Soft and smooth with plush tannins, fans of easy-going reds ought to try this bottle.
Rating: 88
Comanche Cellars 2012 Merlot
Grape(s): 100% Merlot
Region: Carmel Valley, Ca
Price: 25-30
Tasting Notes:
Aromas of black cherries, blackberries, and plums blend with notes of dark chocolate and sweet spice on the nose. With a sip, flavors of bramble fruit, cherry, and plum unfurl into highlights of smoky oak, baking spice, and chocolate. Dark and mouth-filling with solid tannins, it will hold up well to even a hearty cheeseburger. Just 50 cases produced.
Rating: 89
Check out our other segments of Great Wines When You’re Grilling