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The summer cookout is a staple of the season (something almost as American as apple pie), and especially if you’re near the ocean or just wish you were, shrimp fresh off the grill can be extra savory. Now, since 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, 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 shrimp:
Vina Robles 2014 “White 4” Blend
Grape(s): 54% Viognier, 22% Vermentino, 15% Verdello, & 9% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Price: 15-20
Tasting Notes:
A bouquet of mango, peach, passion fruit, and white blossoms rises up from a glass. A sip reveals flavors of tropical fruit and white peach along with floral and honeyed accents. A welcoming acidity and inviting flavors make this a very approachable wine that will compliment grilled shrimp nicely. 5008 cases produced.
Rating: 88
Zenaida Cellars 2012 Grenache
Grape(s): 100% Grenache
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Price: 35-40
Tasting Notes:
Aromas of raspberries, strawberries, and boysenberries meld with suggestions of vanilla, herbs, and leather on the nose. Flavors of red and black berries interweave with nuances of cola, bacon, and spring flowers on the palate. A light, yet fairly lively red, open a bottle if you’re enjoying grilled shrimp brushed with a mild BBQ sauce. 211 cases were made.
Rating: 89
Cass 2014 Viognier
Grape(s): 100% Viognier
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Price: 20-25
Tasting Notes:
Fragrances of peach, tropical fruit, floral perfume, and candied pineapple greet the senses. The palate offers flavors of pineapple, peach, and crisp pear that unfold into traces of lemon candy, honeysuckle, and minerals. Rich and complex, pair it with a fairly basic seasoning to highlight all its character. 1,000 cases produced.
Rating: 90
Comanche Cellars 2013 Chardonnay
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Arroyo Seco, Ca
Price: 25-30
Tasting Notes:
Aromatics of pears, peaches, and nectarines mingle with notes of buttered toast, sweet spice, and lemon zest on the nose. Pineapple, peach and pear flavors emerge on the palate alongside whispers of dried coconut, buttery oak, and baking spice. Fans of lush, layered Chardonnay will enjoy this bottle. 150 cases were made.
Rating: 90
Cambiata 2014 Albariño
Grape(s): 100% Albariño
Region: Monterey County, Ca
Price: 20-25
Tasting Notes:
Peaches, pears, and tropical fruits meld with suggestions of spring flowers and honey on the nose. Stone and tropical fruit come forth on the palate along with floral and mineral nuances. Mouth-filling and rich, it would pair nicely with grilled shrimp. 350 cases produced.
Rating: 89
Midnight Cellars 2012 “Aurora” Blend
Grape(s): 40% Viognier 20% Picpoul Blanc 20% Grenache Blanc & 20% Marsanne
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Price: 25-30
Tasting Notes:
The nose offers aromas of peaches, pears, and citrus fruit that combine with floral and honeyed allusions. A sip delivers flavors of peach, pear, and tangerine that unfurl into hints of honeysuckle and citrus zest. Round with a chalky, floral character, pair a bottle with grilled coconut shrimp. 245 cases were made.
Rating: 90
Eberle 2014 Viognier
Grape(s): 100% Viognier
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Price: 20-25
Tasting Notes:
Aromatics of mango, passion fruit, and peach come together with notes of honeysuckle on the nose. With a sip, flavors of tropical and stone fruits integrate with whispers of honey, sweet spice, and orange blossoms. A luscious wine, with a friendly acidity, enjoy a glass with grilled shrimp in a herb-butter sauce. 1,293 cases produced.
Rating: 90
Lula Cellars 2014 “Rosato” Rosé
Grape(s): Pinot Noir & Tempranillo
Region: Mendocino, Ca
Price: 15-20
Tasting Notes:
A bouquet of strawberry, watermelon, herbs, and clove greets the senses. The palate offers flavors of strawberries and cherries that interweave with traces of rosemary, minerals, and nutmeg. Bright and fruit driven, enjoy a bottle with grilled shrimp in an Asian marinade. 300 cases were made.
Rating: 88
Check out our other segments of Great Wines When You’re Grilling
