Topic

Beach Wines

Date July 1, 2021

Words by Matt Tervooren and Grant Reynolds

If you’re drinking wine on a beach, then you’re clearly in the habit of making good decisions. So, picking the right wine to drink should come pretty naturally.

Unless you’re big-wave surfing in December, beach wines should be refreshing. That means they should be dry, acidic, light-bodied, and chillable. And while vintage Champagne does pair shockingly well with potato chips, you don’t need to break the bank on a wine you’re probably going to drink out of a Solo cup. If, rather than the beach, you’re heading to a pool or park or apartment stoop, know that these wines work for any and all of your “I’d like to drink in the sunshine” needs.

1. Rosé

Even if the term “Hamptons Gatorade” makes you cringe, it’s tough to argue with the compatibility of rosé and the beach. Dry, light, and crisp, most rosé could be described as “crushable.” In the event that you’re in a slightly more “stare contemplatively into the great unknown” kind of mood, then go with a more structured, complex rosé, like this one from a small fishing town in the south of France.

Ideal Beach Pairings:

Clos Cibonne Tibouren, Rosé Provence 2018 $35

Ameztoi, Txakolina Rosé 2020 $25

Macari Vineyards, 'Horses' Pét-Nat Rosé 2019 $35

2. Coastal White Wines

People who make wine tend to drink wine. And folks who live by the beach tend to spend time at the beach. Combine those two factors, and it’s no surprise that wines made by the beach are meant to be enjoyed there. The coasts of Spain and Italy are good places to start, as their white wines - like albarino, txakolina, vermentino, and Etna Bianco - are not only light and refreshing, but they tend to have a salty taste that fits perfectly at the beach.

Ideal Beach Pairings:

Domaine Sigalas, 'AM' Assyrtiko-Monemvasia 2019 $23

Sortevera, 'Las Islas' Canary Islands 2019 $39

Viña Somoza, 'AS 2 Ladeiras' Godello 2016 $26

3. Chillable Reds

Chances are whatever wine you bring to the beach will be tucked between the watermelon and cold cuts in the cooler. But just because your bottle is chilling on ice, it doesn’t mean your options are limited to white wines. Light-bodied red wines that are low in tannin and high in acidity can (and often should) be served chilled. Look for varietals like frappato and cinsault, or wines from places like Beaujolais and Valpolicella.

Ideal Beach Pairings:

Ampeleia, 'Unlitro' Costa Toscana 2020 $25

Le Ragnaie, 'Miscelone' Rosso di Toscana 2019 $25

M. Lapierre, 'Raisins Gaulois' Morgon 2020

4. Bubbles

Spilling wine on yourself is usually pretty annoying. Spilling a bit of sparkling wine foam on your bathing suit at the beach, however, feels downright indulgent. Spill or not, the carbonation and acidity in a cold glass of sparkling wine tastes refreshing, and it happens to pair very well with everything from lobster rolls to potato chips and fried chicken.