Roof-deck. Patio. Kitchen counter. You pick the preferred location for your summer sips and we’ll tell you what wines to pour. We consulted the experts at WSJwine from The Wall Street Journal for recommendations, and here are their top five picks – many from 2015, which apparently was a very good year for vino. Drink up.
94-Point Argentine Malbec
HJ Fabre Malbec Reserva 2014, Mendoza
Why You Need It
This premium Reserva from star winemaker Hervé Joyaux Fabre was aged 12 months in fine French oak. Malbec obsession? It’s about to get stronger than ever.
Pair It With…
Lean cuts of chargrilled flank, sirloin, or skirt steak. You can’t go wrong with red meat.
Party-Ready 2015 Provence Rosé
Domaine de Paris Vieilles Vignes 2015, Côtes de Provence
Why You Need It
2015 is being hailed as a stunning vintage for Provence rosé. And this intensely flavored bottle is proof. Its pale hue and red-berry notes (plus the cool bottle) will make it a hit at parties.
Pair It With…
Grilled veggies, summer salads, and an alfresco setting. Keep it light and super fresh.
Single-Estate Italian Pinot Grigio
Ca’ Vescovo Pinot Grigio 2015, Venezie
Why You Need It
Hand-harvested, 100% estate-grown fruit is cold-fermented in mountainous northern Italy to produce this super-invigorating wine. It’s bursting with ripe apple and citrus flavors.
Pair It With…
Crab salad. Grilled halibut. Really, any light fish dish for a meal that screams summer.
Premium California Pinot Noir – in Pink
Tierraslo Pinot Noir Rosé 2015, Edna Valley
Why You Need It
Winemaker Christian Roguenant makes great Pinot Noir, and when Pinot Noir is lightly pressed? It makes a rosé your taste buds will dance for.
Pair It With…
Cedar-plank salmon. The rosé will make the smoky, woodsy flavors really come alive.
Superstar New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
Spotlight Sauvignon Blanc 2015, Marlborough
Why You Need It
New Zealand is famous for intense Sauvignon Blanc – and 2015 was one of the finest harvests on record. This bottle? It’s a single-vineyard exclusive from famed winemaker Eveline Fraser.
Pair It With…
Big flavors like grilled squid or swordfish, salmon with dill, and goat cheese salads.
By Chrissy Waters, Content Editor
SHOP WSJWINE FROM THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
