Memorial Day Means Summer Is Here, What Are You Drinking This Summer?

EAST SETAUKET, N.Y. - May 23, 2025 - PRLog -- At Mora's Fine Wine & Spirits, the arrival of Memorial Day weekend marks more than just the unofficial start of summer — it's our cue to start stocking the fridge (and cooler) with wines that sip like sunshine. Whether you're beach-bound, backyard grilling, or just soaking up that golden hour light on your porch, there's a summer wine for every mood, meal, and moment.

Let's start with the obvious: rosé. Summer without rosé is like a picnic without a blanket — technically possible, but why risk it? French rosé, especially from Provence, sets the gold standard. Think pale pink, bone dry, and bursting with notes of wild strawberry, melon, and herbs. It's elegant, refreshing, and somehow manages to be both sophisticated and laid back — basically the Audrey Hepburn of wines. Look for producers like Château Miraval, Domaine Tempier (for a more structured Bandol version), or the ever-reliable Whispering Angel if you're going for crowd-pleasing and pretty.

But rosé isn't just a French affair. American winemakers have embraced the pink wave with gusto, offering juicy, zesty expressions that bring a New World brightness to the glass. We love a good California rosé made from Pinot Noir — light, breezy, with hints of raspberry and citrus peel. Oregon, too, is making waves with rosés that showcase their cooler-climate grapes with subtle elegance. New York, particularly the Finger Lakes, offers brilliant examples made from Cabernet Franc — herbaceous, tangy, and utterly delightful.

Then there's Spanish rosado, often a bit deeper in color and flavor. These are bold, gutsy pinks made from Garnacha or Tempranillo, and they're perfect for grilled foods and spicy summer fare. Think grilled shrimp with romesco, or a smoky grilled sausage. Portugal also gets in on the pink party with Vinho Verde rosé — light, fizzy, and dangerously easy to drink.

Moving on to whites, summer is the season to put down the oaky Chardonnay and reach for wines that are high in acid, low in alcohol, and full of zest. Sauvignon Blanc is a no-brainer — especially from the Loire Valley (like Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé) or New Zealand. These wines are zippy, grassy, citrus-packed, and practically scream for goat cheese, shellfish, or a sunny afternoon …

https://www.moraswines.com/memorial-day-means-summer-is-here-what-are-you-drinking-this-summer/