Weeknight Summer Dinners with Wine Pairings

In case you missed it on BostInno. . .here are a few favorite summer meals, perfect for busy weeknights, wine pairings included to make planning seamless.

Summer is grand, in its seemingly infinite evenings, outdoor soirees, weekends in the sun, and maybe a slightly slower schedule at the office. While we’re busy relaxing, looking for fireflies, and enjoying that last bit of pink sky each night, we still have to eat. And since every day of summer is a celebration, pairing a delicious wine with an easy meal is key. Below are a few favorite weeknight recipes with wine pairings; each brings out the best in the other, making every second of evening just that little bit more special. Heirloom Tomato Panzanella paired with Cline Viognier Heirloom tomato season will soon be upon us. Pair the fresh, acidic tomatoes and creamy cheese with the richness of this Viognier. Stone fruit notes will dance in your mouth and bring alive the season’s bounty.

Pulled Pork with Ginger Beer BBQ Sauce paired with Alexander Valley Vineyards Redemption Zinfandel This dish is an easy, slow cooked BBQ favorite. What pairs better with BBQ than bold fruit flavors and a little bit of black pepper spice found in Zinfandel?

Lemony Arugula Pesto Tortellini Salad with Tapeña Verdejo Refreshing lemon and cool pasta make this dish perfect for those sultry nights when eating outdoors on an Adirondack chair is the only option. The Verdejo is what I would call the perfect patio wine; citrusy, acidic, and a GREAT value. Bouilliabase with Chateau d’Esclans Whispering Angel Rosé If you have a little more time (just to clean the seafood) bouilliabase is a fun option for a group. Sit around the pan with a crusty loaf of farmers market bread and a bottle of elegant rosé from one of my favorite producers.

Appetizers (like this smoked salmon dip) and Champagne Duval-LeRoy Some nights require finger food and Champagne. This smoked salmon dip makes a nice centerpiece with pieces of brioche, a few types of cheese, meats, and other snacks. Toasty notes in the bubbly, along with lingering acidity make it a fun and food-friendly option.