CheekyChicago

Whether you’re heading to a lake house, manning the grill or kicking off the summer entertainment season with a soiree, opt for one of the wine selections below. Go All-American with our first two wineries, or reach for a renegade varietal from Chile.

St. Francis Winery, Sonoma

Try the 2007 “Old Vines” Zinfandel and pair it with Garlic-Rubbed and Herbes de Provence Lamb Chops. I had a chance to chat with Elizabeth Karmel, Executive Chef of NYC’s barbeque Mecca Hill Country (and native Chicagoan), who developed some fantastic summer grilling recipes that pair perfectly with red and white wine selections from the Sonoma-based family winery. The “Old Vines” Zin was a favorite thanks to the strict selection process for the grapes. All vines must be at least 50-years-old (many are over 100) and St. Francis has hand selected a series of small, family-owned Zinfandel vineyards throughout Sonoma County that date back to the turn of the last century. Because of their age, these plots yield less than two tons per acre of exceptionally concentrated fruit and, ultimately, a robust flavor.

For inspiration and to download a free grilling guide, visit StFSavorTheFlavor.com where you can view complete recipes like the Pecan-Planked New York Strip with Red-Wine Compound Butter (pictured below!) and suggested wine pairings. Both Binny’s and Sam’s carry St. Francis, which retails at about $22 per bottle.

Sequoia Grove, Napa

Two Fridays ago, Erica and I met with Michael Trujillo, Sequoia Grove’s President and Winemaker, who was visiting Chicago in an effort to share info about the latest vintage from their award-winning, Bordeaux-style Cabernets. Trujillo has dedicated the past eight years to dramatically changing the quality of Sequoia Groves’ wines, creating more complex wines that are expressive of the Rutherford terroir. Oenephiles may recognize the Trujillo name, as he is the talent behind the small production label, Karl Lawrence, considered an affordable cult wine by those in-the-know. We enjoyed lunch at Sixteen at the Trump (go for the lobster and avocado salad) and in turn had the opportunity to sample the 2007 Chardonnay (well-balanced and the opposite of oak-y and buttery; it was smooth and even-keeled) and the 2006 and 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon – two very similar wines with very distinct tasting notes. The 2007 is this season’s “It” girl. You heard it here first. Run, don’t walk, to a fine wine shop this weekend and pick up a bottle.

The International Bunch, Chile

Summer is the perfect time to discover wonderfully refreshing wines from Chile. Each of the cool coastal regions of the diverse country offers crisp white wines and refreshing reds. My favorites? A zesty Chilean Sauvignon Blanc from the coastal area of Leyda Valley, an elegant Pinot Noir from Bio Bio and a Chilean Syrah from the hillside sites of Colchagua.