Wine that travels well

If you've picked up on the trend from previous posts of eating outdoors + music + wine, you'll find this Gear Test from today's New York Times useful when arming yourself for your next picnic adventure:

FASHION & STYLE
Physical Culture Gear Test, Wine Chillers
Michael Brands for The New York Times
Published: 20090812
When it comes to summertime relaxation, the idea of an outdoor picnic — complete with a nice bottle of wine — is hard to beat. One of the hardest tricks to pull off, however, is keeping the wine chilled along the way.
http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2009/08/12/fashion/20090813-physical-slideshow_index.html

Varietold: White zin your pocket? (say it fast)

I'll admit right off that I generally avoid pink wines (rose, blush, etc., if we want to be technical) like a bad rash. But I've recently come to the realization, upon enjoying a bottle of white zinfandel this past weekend, that these wines are perfect for summer afternoons. While white zin is not technically a variety unto itself, I'll say that it is a wonderful wine for the season - an uncomplaining companion for a lazy afternoon in the sun. It's unfortunately got a pretty bad reputation, becoming somewhat of the playground outcast, scorned by most wine aficionados and only disdainfully accepted at best.

Zinfandel is a versatile grape that makes for some interesting red wines, but the white zinfandel take carries none of the expected peppery, bodied notes and is rather a light, fruity and almost punchy wine. These carefree qualities make it an easy wine to drink, clear and refreshing in contrast to the heat of the grille. So, even though I'm not here to extol the undiscovered epiphanies to be found in that blush, I would advocate at least picking up one bottle this summer and giving it a try.

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Tasted: Beringer White Zinfandel 2007

Simple Sangria

A summer staple, more an art than a science. What's your favorite take on it?

White Sangria
serves 10-12

2 bottles white wine (pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc, or cava/moscato for sparkling)
2 white peaches
1 pear
1/2 orange
1 cup blueberries
1 stick cinnamon

Red Sangria
serves 10 - 12

2 bottles red wine (merlot, zinfandel, syrah)
1 apple
1 - 2 cups strawberries
1/2 orange
1 lemon

Preparation:
For both recipes, cut fruit into slices or sections as desired, combine in large bowl or pitcher. Pour wine over fruit, and let sit for at least 3 hours, but ideally overnight. Add 1 - 2 tbsp sugar to sweeten and help release the fruit juices. Additionally, feel free to add any combination of brandy, orange juice or club soda to add some fizziness or adjust the flavor. Club soda should be added immediately before serving.

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photo: byrdiegyrl via flickr

days of wine and dogs

Southern California is made for the summer: Though every other season seems to be no more than a milder sequel (or prequel, depending on how you look at it), there is still a subtle change that occurs as June slides into July. The tans become more authentic, already-short hems skew ever higher, the highways become extensions of the beach parking lots, and nary a face remains unobstructed by the requisite oversize shades.

With this exodus to the outdoors, there are appropriately many opportunities for enjoying a glass or two in the summer heat - and what better way to facilitate the transition from the lingering days into warm summer nights? This Saturday, after spending an afternoon fighting the previously mentioned traffic, it was wonderful being able to spend the remainder of the Saturday outdoors at the Getty, listening to the relaxing Latin / international music from Mas Exitos while enjoying a glass of Cabernet and a hot dog. Ok, so it's not the likeliest pairing, and I can't say the Cab was particularly memorable, but the evening did not leave me wanting.

So much of what makes wine enjoyable is the context in which it's consumed, and it's tough to complain about an easy-drinking glass enjoyed al fresco in the company of good friends and while taking in such a scene. The crowd ranged from early 20s to late 30s, with many families but also groups of friends (and some awkward dates, naturally). Most people grabbed tables near the stage, or spread out picnic blankets under the trees along the shallow pool opposite the stage; my friend K commented that it felt like "a Modernist Paris-plage," with the artsy-chic//laid-back vibe and water-centric arrangement.

If you haven't had the chance to check out one of the Getty's Saturdays off the 405 (previously Fridays), make sure to drop in this summer. Some tips for visiting -

• Parking becomes a mess, so it's worth showing up early (free after 5)
• Related - Carpool!
• Pack a blanket to sit on
• & a picnic, we were envious of the amazing spreads some people had prepared

I'll be at the next one, July 25, so say hello. And in the meantime, I'll continue to fill you in on other great ways to enjoy your wine outside. Don't forget sunscreen.

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The Getty Center
Saturdays off the 405
6 - 9 p.m.
1200 Getty Center Drive
July 25 - Cut Chemist