I tend to pair wines more with the season than with food and that is never more evident than in the hazy, hot days of summer.  My choices of the best summer wines offer up two reds and a sparkling wine from Italy.  I hope you enjoy.

Summer Wine # 1, A California Pinot Noir – I love a good Pinot and find California Pinot’s my top summertime choice for the #1 spot.  Pinot Noir wines tend to be light to medium bodied which make them a perfect fit for the summer bar-b-que or family cookout.  The California version of this grape tends to fall in the medium range and brings on an aroma of black or red cherries.  Joel Fleischman of Vanity Fair describes Pinot Noir as “the most romantic of wines, with so voluptuous a perfume, so sweet an edge, and so powerful a punch that, like falling in love, they make the blood run hot and the soul wax embarrassingly poetic.”

Here are three that I really like and and think you will also:

2006 Hayman & Hill Santa Lucia Highlands Reserve Selection Pinot Noir ($15) – In the Santa Lucia Highlands, the source for this peppery, boysenberry-scented red, the ocean winds off Monterey Bay provide cool morning fogs that help to moderate daytime temperatures—which is exactly the kind of weather that Pinot Noir loves.

2008 90 Plus Cellars Lot 56 Russian River Pinot Noir(under $15) – Pinot Noir like Zinfandel thrive in the Russian River Valley and usually demand a much higher price.  Here’s what the producer says about their wine. “Taste: Intricate aromas of black cherry, raspberry, and plums encircled by an aura of sweet spice and divine earthiness. Medium bodied and impeccably balanced, this Pinot Noir will measure up to any wine that’s twice the price. Pour yourself a glass, sit back, sip, and savor.”

2009 Ojai Presidio Pinot Noir ($49) – Yeah, you are going to pay a bit more for this wine, but Ojai is becoming my favorite California producer.  They make great Pinot and Sarah, but the Presidio Pinot is a classic.  A famed wine critic had this to say about the Ojai Presidio:

“Another rich, intense wine, the 2009 Pinot Noir Repression is loaded with fruit. Soft, silky tannins frame a gently spiced finish laced with dark red cherries, plums and mint. The integration of oak (25% new), fruit and structure is superb. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. 93 points.”

Summer Wine #2, an Italian Primitivo – Primitivo is often referred to as the Italian cousin to California Red Zinfandel.  Primitivo’s are grown in the southern regions of Italy, especially Puglia.  More old world and woody than its California cousin, Primitivo’s are especially good with grilled meats, vegetables and chicken.  I have said this many times about Primitivo, but if you’re thinking about entertaining outdoors often this summer you should pick up a case of Primativo.

Try these two, I’m sure you’ll like them:

Terra dei Trulli Pinnacoli Primitivo di Manduria 2008 ($12.99) – Very typical of a Primitivo, this wine does not disappoint. A ruby-red wine with full flavors of ripe red fruits and a hint of spice. Pinnacoli has flavors of wild strawberry through the palate and finishes with a rich fullness and hints of cinnamon.-Winemaker

2009 Castello Monaci Artas Primitivo Salento ($26.00) – A little pricey for a Primitivo but this is a special Primitivo.  Here’s what the Wine Advocate had to say.   “The estate’s top of the line 2009 Primitivo Salento Artas is quite pretty. A juicy, perfumed wine, the Artas stands out for its varietal nuance and expressiveness. There is plenty of depth to the 2009, but no sense of heaviness. Once again, the Artas is a standout.”

Summer Wine #3, Prosecco – From the Venito region hails Italy’s famed sparkling wine.  Lower priced Prosecco ($10) give delicate fruit and lots of bubbles.  Spend a bit more ($15 to $20) and you will experience more fruit and a much more balance wine.  Either way Prosecco’s make a summer party and it will be the only wine you’ll need.  Here’s two I like.

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• 2009 Calamus Pinot Noir (canadianwineguy.com)
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• Rainstorm Pinot Noir (wineguysradio.com)
• Twomey Pinot Noir…..I’m a little bit obsessed with this one! (foodiegirlchicago.wordpress.com)