Category Archives: Wine Trend Articles

Summer Wine Tips

Posted on by

DougFrostInterview with Doug Frost, Master of Wine and Master Sommelier

What wines or sparkling wines do you advise people to select to enjoy over the summer?
First off, I always insist that people should drink whatever they like, and stop worrying about the “right” wine, whatever that is. As the temperature rises, most are thinking of cool, refreshing drinks, and that leaves lots of wine options. For reasonably priced bubbly, Prosecco from Italy and Cava from Spain have been the go-to wines for years. I’m a big German wine fan, and I go through lots of German Rieslings during the summer. The tangy, incipient tartness of Riesling is ideal for a touch of fruity sweetness. When you add that to spicy foods and even tangy BBQ sauces, it’s a surprisingly adept grape.

What white wines do you suggest to pair with popular summertime dishes?
If people use lighter vinaigrettes for their salads, crisp and tangy wines are just ideal. Sauvignon Blanc, Albarino and many Italian white wines make a lovely marriage, especially when you toss some grilled shrimp, fish or chicken on top of the salad.
Grill marks have a certain bitterness, even when they appear on grilled vegetables. Try either a fruity wine to offset the grill marks and the smoke (something fruity like Beaujolais, Dolcetto or Barbera) or use a wine that has a bit of bitterness, like more astringent Italian reds (Sagrantino, Sangiovese or Nebbiolo).

What are your tips for storing wine during the summer months?
Make sure never to leave wine bottles in a hot car. Heat can damage a wine in only a few minutes. If it’s too warm to leave your beloved pet in the car, don’t leave your favorite bottle of wine, either.

Wine Trends with Sean Parisi (C.S.W.)

Posted on by

About the Author:

Image

Sean Parisi, born and raised around Chicago, IL has spent the last decade sharing his passion for wine, food and the pursuit of good taste.

Sean’s love of wine started in Florence, Italy where he spent a semester as a 20 year old college student studying abroad. Taking a break from his business courses at the University of Illinois, he fell in love in with wine and decided that if he was presented with an opportunity to follow his passions in life, he’d jump at the chance to pursue a career in a field that he loved.

Combining his education in finance and business with his passion for wine, Sean joined the WineStyles franchise network in 2005 as a multi-unit franchise operator with locations in Arlington Heights and Glenview, IL.   Sharing his love of the business with others, Sean took over as the Area Development Manager for the WineStyles franchise in Illinois and has been a leading contributor to the growth and development of the WineStyles organization.  During his tenure with WineStyles, Sean has earned a Certified Specialist of Wine (C.S.W.) certification from the Society of Wine Educators and is now responsible for the management of the national wine program and franchise operations for the WineStyles Tasting Station.

Sean Parisi - Cline VineyardsSince 2009, Sean has worked closely with many of the world’s leading wineries and import organizations to source outstanding wines that represent tremendous quality and value to share with over 10,000 WineStyles Wine Club members every month.  If you’ve been a member of the WineStyles Wine Club you’ve tasted his work.

Through this blog Sean will share insights into the mind of a wine buyer, aspiring home chef, small business owner, husband, father, friend and below average golfer.