Red Wines Perfect for Dad & Summer

Well here it is Father's Day already, and it feels like we were just making pineapple eggs benedict and mango mint mimosas for all the moms out there!  I checked in with my brother, and it seems he has put together the perfect steak dinner to celebrate dear old dad, so I thought I would help pick the wine to match.  Now, I know come summertime everyone reaches for white wine, but trust me, Chardonnay does not go with everything!  There are plenty of red wines out there that can be quite refreshing and will pair much better with your kitchen creations that feature red meat.

When choosing a red wine for a summer meal, the most important thing to consider is it's drinkabliity in the summer heat.  I always recommend lighter-bodied red wines with less tannins and higher acidity.  A good tip is to look at the alcohol content.  Full bodied varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah will have up to 14% alcohol, while lighter reds such as Pinot Noir and Merlot will stay down around 12%.   Here are some of my favorite wines that are not only the best for summer, but the best to celebrate dad with:

Chalone Merlot 2006, California     $14
Made from grapes grown at the base of an extinct volcano, this medium bodied, fruit-forward wine is full of bright, tart cherry flavors that will stand up perfectly to Khalil's father's day meal.

Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages 2007, France     $14
A wonderfully well balanced wine from one of the biggest names in Burgundy.  This wine delivers plenty of luscious red and black fruit, backed by soft tannins and bright acidity.

Destefanis Dolcetto d'Alba 2006, Italy     $16
Red berries, plum and a hint of chocolate are just a taste of what you get from this wine.  Good structure and acidity are testament to the winemaker's artisan care.  

Marques de Riscal Rioja Reserva 2003, Spain     $19
One of my favorite wines gives you rich dark cherry accompanied by a complex layer of spice and vanilla.  Two years spent in the barrel followed by 18 months in the bottle make the acidity and tannin in this wine silky smooth, and perfect for dad.

Bethel Heights Pinot Noir 2007, Oregon     $25
This medium bodied red wine showcases everything Oregon has to offer...subtle red fruits, minerality, bright acidity, and a lot of earth.  It's Oregon in a glass!