Late-Summer Sunset Sips
August in Maryville brings a distinct energy. The days are still gloriously warm, but as the sun dips behind the Great Smoky Mountains, the evening air turns just a bit cooler. These late-summer twilights are practically made for lingering on the porch, relaxing with friends, and enjoying a slow, refreshing glass of wine.
When you want something more substantial than a crisp white wine, but it is still too warm for a heavy, full-bodied Cabernet, where do you turn? The answer lies in the versatile world of dark rosés and light-bodied, chillable reds. At Wine & Spirits Cellar, these are our absolute go-to bottles for late August evenings. Here is how to pick the ultimate sunset sip.
The Power of a Bold, Dark Rosé
While pale, barely-pink French rosés are famous for peak summer afternoons, August calls for a rosé with a bit more structure and weight. Look for dark-hued rosés crafted from bolder grape varieties like Syrah, Grenache, or Tempranillo.
These deeper rosés offer a richer texture while retaining that vibrant, refreshing acidity you crave when it is warm outside. Expect bursting notes of ripe watermelon, wild cherries, and subtle dried herbs. They possess enough body to pair seamlessly with grilled pork chops, flatbread pizzas, or a rich charcuterie board, making them an ideal transition bottle as autumn approaches.
Pinot Noir: The Ultimate Sunset Companion
Pinot Noir is universally beloved for its elegance, but it truly shines during the late summer months. Because it features thinner grape skins, Pinot Noir produces a lighter-bodied red wine with gentle tannins and bright, juicy fruit notes.
When enjoyed at a cool cellar temperature (around fifty-five degrees), a young Pinot Noir showcases lovely flavors of fresh raspberries, dark cherries, and subtle forest floor aromatics. It is incredibly versatile at the dinner table, pairing effortlessly with everything from grilled salmon to roast chicken.
Discover Schiava and Cinsault
If you love exploring unique wine styles, August is the perfect time to step outside the box with lesser-known, light-bodied reds:
-
Schiava: Hailing from the cool mountain valleys of Northern Italy, this delicate red wine is light in color but packed with aroma. It bursts with distinct notes of strawberry, pink cotton candy, and subtle almond. It is delightfully refreshing when served with a light chill.
-
Cinsault: Frequently used in Southern Rhône blends, standalone Cinsault produces a delightfully floral, low-tannin red wine. It offers bright flavors of red currant, pomegranate, and soft baking spice, making it a fantastic patio red.
Unwind with Wine & Spirits Cellar
There is no better way to wrap up a long August day than with a beautiful glass of wine enjoyed outdoors. As the season slowly begins to turn, let our team help you discover your new favorite bottle.
Stop by Wine & Spirits Cellar in Maryville, Tennessee today. Our shelves are filled with exceptional international and domestic wines tailored for every palate and budget. Visit us, chat with our passionate wine experts, and make the most of these gorgeous late-summer sunsets!