3 Value Wines to Drink Before Summer Ends

Up in Maine on vacation, I spend a lot of time cooking, for a lot of people — my wife’s extended family, all of whom rendezvous up there for summer vacation, are legion. This means (a) grilling and (b) lots of burgers.

It also means either a lot of Yuengling lager — the preferred warm-weather quaff for Pennsylvanians lodged on the Maine coast, hauled up by the case — or else good affordable red wine. Côtes du Rhône fits the bill.

Of course, hot days also demand white wine, and as Sauvignon Blanc is having a moment, there it is. Lastly, there’s not much better than rosé bubbles for August birthdays; we have several in our gang, and maybe you do, too.

2022 André Brunel Côtes du Rhône Rouge ($17)

Need a super deal for any grilled meat moment you may be having soon, or on into the fall? This Grenache-dominant red with its blackberry-black cherry flavors and supple tannins is a no-brainer for burgers, sausages, steaks, and more.

André Brunel, who passed away in 2022, was one of Châteauneuf’s top vignerons, and his son Fabrice is carrying on his work. Seriously: buy this one by the case.

2023 Rodney Strong Alexander Valley Sauvignon Blanc ($25)

Back in May, this Sauvignon went just perfectly with a warm evening at Rodney Strong winery during the Healdsburg Wine & Food Festival — and with a mind-blowing outdoor performance by Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, a young blues sensation who’s deserving of every rave coming his way (and there are lots).

Does Sauvignon Blanc necessarily go with the blues? It did that night, at least; and, no matter what you’re listening to this month, this wine will be an ultra-refreshing accompaniment, its tongue-tingling acidity balanced by ample melon and citrus fruit flavors.

NV Domaine Carneros Cuvée de la Pompadour Brut Rosé ($45)

Another winner from this year’s Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience was this graceful California sparkling wine; I poured it for a caviar-and-bubbles seminar there and have been enjoying it ever since (not so much caviar, though; my budget can’t handle endless tins of super-pricey fish eggs).

Dry, fragrant, and full of berry notes, it’s a stellar sparkler for end of summer drinking, whether by the pool or by the grill, with caviar or without.