As we close out the summer season with the traditional Labor Day weekend, palates turn to barbecued dishes, seafood and dips.  I’m not yet certain where we’ll fit into this scenario but it’s safe to assume that some of my time will be spent over the hot grill.  With some extra time off, many of us will be afforded the opportunity to celebrate from afternoon to evening over the long holiday weekend.  That, in turn, opens the door to enjoying food and wine from afternoon right into the evening.

If you launch your festivities during the hot afternoon, lighter fare and lighter wines are a great place to start.  For me, I love the idea of some cold, peeled large shrimp.  We mix up a spicy cocktail sauce with horseradish, cilantro and just a touch of fresh lemon juice. Some freshly cut vegetables to pair with humus is a great accompaniment.  And of course, how could you not display a large bowl of festive and colorful chips with salsa and guacamole?  We picked up some smoked Hatch New Mexico chilies last week and I’m sure to be dicing them up in the salsa…….hmmm.

If I’m going with alcohol during the heat of the day, I’m certain to make the wine light and not overly alcoholic.  Despite my best attempts to stay at par with dehydration this time of year, too much alcohol this time of day always overwhelms me.  Fortunately, there are lots of choices.  A Sparkling wine such as the Schramsberg Mirabelle, Brut Rose, Blanc de Blanc or Blanc de Noir are simply beautiful.  If you desire some light red fruit such as strawberry or cherry, the Rose and Mirabelle are for you.  The Blanc de Noir will toss up some creamy raspberry and crème brule scents while the Blanc de Blanc displays vanilla, brioche and custard nuances.  A Champagne or Prosecco would work equally as well.  Away from the bubbly are great summer choices such as Sauvignon Blanc, Albarino, Pinot Bianco (Blanc) or Grigio (Gris), off dry or dry Riesling, Chablis and one of the more under appreciated wines, Rose.   For Sauvignon Blanc lovers, there are endless choices from diverse regions.  If your palate savors a richer style, then try one from California.  Some names that might work for you are Benziger, Beaulieu, Chateau St. Jean, Chalk Hill, Cliff Lede, Dry Creek, Duckhorn, Heitz, Merry Edwards (probably the cream of the crop), Sbragia Family, and St. Supery.  If a more steely and acidic driven wine is your style with nuances of gooseberry and cut grass, the New Zealand Kim Crawford, Matua and Noblio are good choices.  South Africa and Australia offer some nice choices as well.