Americans work hard.
We go the extra mile, do what needs to be done.
We also need a break sometimes.
That’s why Labor Day’s such a great holiday.
It also comes at the perfect time.
Summer’s coming to a close. Fall’s in the air. A new school year’s about to start or recently began.
What better time to kick back and relax in the backyard, on a beach or around a bonfire.
So in honor of this coming weekend, here are five great American wines for celebrating Labor Day.
And to make sure there’s something for everyone, I’ve included two whites, two reds and one sparkling wine.
I’ve also included information about each type of wine in general just in case you can’t find the specific wine recommended this week.
Hope you enjoy.
RED WINES
California Cabernet Sauvignon
Let’s start with the most popular wine grape in the country from the most popular wine-growing state. People love cabernet sauvignon – and for good reason. Red wine made with this versatile grape goes well with a wide range of foods. There are definitely many overpriced ones from California. But when made right, California cabernet sauvignons can be subtle yet exciting, smooth yet intense – just like many Bordeaux wines made with the same grape in France.
Recommended Wine: 2018 Rodney Strong Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve ($60 Suggested Retail Price)
This fascinating wine illustrates why California’s famous for its cabernet sauvignons. The grapes used to make this wine come from two, distinct California wine regions – 79% from Sonoma County and 21% from the nearby Alexander Valley. The result is an intense wine with spicy notes and hints of black pepper, leather and walnuts.
Sonoma County Pinot Noir
Pinot noir wines have passionate fans. People who love them will go to great lengths to find fantastic ones. In France, Burgundy produces some of the world’s best wines made with this grape. In California, Sonoma County in particular makes equally fascinating wines, thanks to Sonoma County’s rugged landscape, cool temperatures and early morning fog that lingers over many outstanding vineyards.
Recommended Wine: 2021 Paul Hobbs George Menini Estate Russian River Valley Sonoma County ($90 SRP)
Within Sonoma County, the Russian River Valley has many outstanding vineyards that produce distinct, delicious wines. This particular wine features pinot grapes from the Sebastopol Hills areas of the Russian River Valley near Bodega Bay, where the weather’s frequently cool and foggy. The result – an absolutely smooth, complex wine with several layers of subtle flavors, including roasted cherries, plums and blackberries along with a dash of dark chocolate
WHITE WINES
Oregon Chardonnay
Like pinot noir, chardonnay grapes thrive in cool, foggy places like France’s Burgundy region. In this country, parts of California and Oregon produce dense, distinct wines. When made right, chardonnay wines can have a depth of flavor and distinct personality that vividly brings to life specific soils, especially in Oregon. This probably helps explain why chardonnay has become the most popular white wine grape and the second most popular wine grape overall in the country, right after cabernet sauvignon.
Recommended Wine: 2019 Appassionata Chardonnay ($75 SRP)
This chardonnay from Oregon’s Willamette Valley shows why this part of the state has become world-famous for its earthy yet elegant wines. This particular chardonnay has a smooth, silky finish and many dense, complex flavors – from hints of toast and butter to subtle notes of aged cheddar and early morning mist. I realize such descriptions sound a little loopy, but trust me. Oregon chardonnays like this one can be transcendent when done right.
California Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon blanc wines from around the world have become increasingly popular in recent years. They’re often dry, refreshing and frequently have subtle floral flavors and aromas. They’re also often very affordable – what’s not to love about them? New Zealand, France’s Loire Valley and Bordeaux all make many outstanding sauvignon blancs. So do many parts of California, including Napa Valley, which you can read more about below.
Recommended Wine: 2022 Silverado Vineyards Miller Ranch Sauvignon Blanc Yountville Napa Valley ($30 SRP)
California’s Napa Valley needs no introduction. Many people probably already know about this world-famous wine region. But most people probably only think of cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay when they think of Napa. That’s just the start. You can find many other great wines made with other grapes, including sauvignon blanc. This delicious gem has soft, floral hints of fresh-cut green grass, green apple and sea salt. There’s also a subtle, refreshing mineral-like finish that really makes this wine stand out.
SPARKLING WINE
California Sparkling Wine
Sparkling wines comes in all different shapes and sizes – from small bottles of sweet sparkling wines to bone dry ones in bottles with bizarre names like Jeroboam (3 liter bottle) to Methuselah (6 liter bottle). The best-known sparkling wines (and wine regions) include Prosecco from Italy, Cava from Spain and Champagne from France’s Champagne region. In recent decades, many Champagne producers have also started similar sparkling wines in California. The result? Delicious sparkling wines made in the same style as gems from Champagne.
Recommended Wine: Mumm Napa Brut Rose ($26 SRP)
Created by the same Champagne house founded in Reims, France in 1827, Mumm Napa began making sparkling wines in California in late 1970s using the same methods and techniques they have been using in France for over a century. This particular sparkling rose (made with a blend of 80% pinot noir and 20% chardonnay) has a lovely pink color and soft fruit finish with hints of strawberry, raspberry and cherry. A great wine for a relaxing Labor Day weekend.
Cheers!
Wine Press by Ken Ross appears on Masslive.com every Monday and in The Republican’s Weekend section every Thursday.
