I am often asked what my favorite wine for this food or that food is, or what is best in the summer or spring. Today on The Broadcast we talked about a few great summer wines with some of our favorite Texas fare, like barbecue brisket, steaks and anything you would want to cook on the grill. Here are a few favorites to consider when cooking for friends this summer…bonus, they won’t break the bank either.  Also, take a look at at the segment below.

Flora Springs Sililoquy Sauvignon Blanc – $25 at Spec’s, This crisp and light Sauvignon Blanc with balanced acidity and ripe citrus fruit is ideal for welcoming guests to your home on a hot summer evening. Flora Springs in Napa Valley sources the fruit from the Soliloquy vineyard in Oakville, and follow the family’s practice of respecting tradition, devotion to innovation, and responsible stewardship of the land. Aged 7 months in a combination of oak, cement tanks and stainless steel, there is a nice roundness to the wine, adding depth to the layers of citrus, lychee and kiwi notes.

Anderra Carmenere – $10 at Goody-Goody, Baron Phillipe de Rothschild family property in the Maipo Valley of Chile, producing hand harvested, French inspired Bordeaux style wines in the heart of Chile. Carmenere, the red of Chile, has an inherent peppery, spicy character with elements of black fruit and bright red cherry notes, creating well rounded, layered wines with a great price and taste.

Etude Rose – $20 available via their website, Rose is the wine of summer, and Etude makes one of the best from their Carneros grown Pinot Noir fruit filling the palate with light strawberry, ruby red grapefruit and tangerine notes. Perfect for pairing with grilled salmon, chicken or light summer salads.

Folie a Deux Zinfandel – $17 at Goody-Goody, many people swear by Red Zinfandel as the wine of summer, pairing with juicy, spicy barbecue with hearty sauces, marrying bright red fruit with peppery spice and jammy black berry. Dry Creek in Sonoma, CA is the ideal place for growing quality Zin. Folie a Deux utlizes their loamy, sandy, well draining soils to create highly concentrated Zin with richness and texture, highlighting the jammy berry notes, enhanced with pepper spice and a touch of mocha.

Mountain Door Malbec – $10 at Total Wine, When you think Argentina your mind drifts to gauchos roasting beef for an Asado drinking robust, Morello cherry and earth filled Malbec. Mountain Door, from the Maipu Valley near Mendoza, utilizes 60 year old vines grown at 2800 feet above sea level for balanced, nicely rounded, yet still robust Malbec with layers of plum, cherry, vanilla and spice. An easy and approachable Malbec at another great price.

Herman – Marshall Rye – $35 at Sigel’s, Herman Beckley and Marshall Louis started this Dallas County distillery over 15 years ago, the first whiskey distillery in Dallas, creating approachable whiskey filled with toffee, caramel and toasted. They make a traditional corn based Bourbon as well as a rye, and on the cusp of introducing their single malt scotch. The thing I love about these products, beside their charming and funny owners who are doing what they love and following their passion, is that each of their products are smooth, balanced and delicious….and made right here in Dallas County using Texas grown products.