Try these wines perfect for summer—and you can even chill them, too

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This month’s wine selections fit well with cool salads, grilled fare and other heat-friendly dishes perfect for the final days of Louisiana’s languid summer. Sourced from Matherne’s Market downtown, a reliable, food-friendly domestic white and sturdy reds from Spain and Argentina provide plenty of pairing options for late summer menus.

Don’t forget, it’s perfectly acceptable to chill red wines for about 10-15 minutes in an ice bucket, or 8 minutes in a freezer. This time of year, no one will second-guess your motives.

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ACHAVAL FERRER
Cabernet sauvignon
Mendoza
2015
$20

This medium- to full-bodied rustic cab likes all premium cuts of beef—“Now we’re talking steak,” Matherne’s General Manager Bill Hounshell says. There’s lots of dark fruit to enjoy, along with soft tannins and a clean finish. It’s priced well for a cab from one of Argentina’s top wineries.

Pair it with: Rib-eyes with blue cheese sauce, grilled flank steak or filet mignon with Gulf crabmeat and mushroom sauce.

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SEAN MINOR
Sauvignon blanc
California
2015
$10

This widely available, affordably priced sauvignon blanc is a great summer white, Hounshell says. “Some of the juice has spent time in neutral barrels, aged sur lie [an extended aging process], which allows for a soft mouth feel,” he says. Look for traditional sauvignon blanc flavors of grapefruit and melon and a hint of grassiness.

Pair it with: Seafood pasta salads, steamed or grilled asparagus or anything with feta cheese.

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MONTEBUENA
Rioja
Spain
2014
$10

Composed of 100% tempranillo grapes, this light-bodied red reveals hints of spice, tobacco and vanilla. It’s a good value wine and perfect for late-summer grilling. The finish is especially nice for the price point.

Pair it with: Grilled pork with tri-colored peppers, eggplant pasta or grilled eggplant, burgers or jambalaya.

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This article was originally published in the August 2017 issue of 225 Magazine.