Summer is here, ya’ll! Long hot days fade into warm summer nights and we need wines to pair with everything that goes along with summer.
Here are three approachable and fun Spanish wines masterfully made by Hammeken Cellars. Danish Founder Nicholas Hammeken realized the potential of Spain’s most cherished indigenous grapes. Each wine is irresistible with its fresh pure fruit expression.
Summer wine and food pairing
When you think of summer, our minds and our palates go to anything that can be cooked outdoors on the grill or smoker and fresh crisp salads. I discovered that each of these wines are perfect with summer meals. These wines pair so easily with smoked or grilled salmon, lobster, shrimp and tacos and and even a cool fruit based dessert.
All three wines are now available at Spec’s in Texas.
Radio Boka is made from 100% Tempranillo which is the noble red grape of Spain from 30-year-old vines from Castilla in the heart of Spain.
This is a red wine made for summertime!
On the first sip, this beautiful, young Tempranillo is juicy with dark and red fruits (cherry, blackberry, plum) a hint of earthiness and warm spices. This red Spanish wine is fun and lively with very balanced tannins and acidity. It will make any red wine lover happy! We enjoyed it with a smoked beef tenderloin and if you love burgers from the grill (and who doesn’t), you have found your wine.
Radio Boka was named an Editor’s Pick by Food & Wine last year so you know you can’t go wrong with this beauty.
Gotas de Mar is wine made from the most important white Spanish grape, Albariño. It originates from the coastal origins from the Rías Baixas region in Galicia, on the northwestern coast of Spain. The name Gotas Del Mar means “sea spray” and the sea-blue bottle celebrates the region of origin for this young and lively wine.
This Albariño is perfect for all of your summer wine needs and white wine lovers will go crazy over this one.
From aromas of apricots, peaches and white flowers to the fresh lemon zest on the palate, you will love this bright but balanced acidity and minerality and well it pairs with summer seafood dishes and fresh, light salads.
From fresh salads with fruit and mint to seafood, shellfish, spicy tacos and dessert, Piquitos Moscato is the all around perfect wine.
It screams summer in a most delightful and delicate way.
Piquitos means “little kisses.” Valencia on Spain’s sunny, Mediterranean coast is where this Moscato is grown and it is one beautiful wine.
Moscato from Spain? You bet. If you associate the Moscato grape from Italy, broaden your wine horizons to include this true-to-character wine. On the nose you can detect mandarin, orange blossoms and honeysuckle. It naturally boasts a refreshing sweetness and balanced with it’s light acidity. Even more satisfaction comes from the slight tingling of the delicate bubbles.
I dare you to drink just one glass!
Check out the dishes below that I paired with these wines. You don’t need a recipe, just inspiration!
Grilled Lobsters and Smoked Prime Beef Tenderloin
Smoked Salmon with Everything Bagel Seasoning along side a crisp salad
Spicy Barbacoa Taco with Pickled Onions
