Celebrate Independence Day with a Toast: Discovering the Best U.S. Wines for Your 4th of July Celebration
As fireworks light up the sky and the aroma of barbecue fills the air, there's no better way to celebrate the 4th of July than with a glass of exceptional American wine. At Butler's, we believe that 4th July is the perfect occasion to explore the diverse and vibrant world of U.S. wine. Let's raise our glasses to this iconic day with some of the finest wines this nation has to offer.
The United States is home to a myriad of wine regions, each with its unique terroir and signature styles. From the sun-soaked vineyards of California to the rolling hills of Washington State, American winemakers have perfected their craft to produce wines that rival the best in the world. Here are some standout styles and regions to consider for your 4th of July festivities:
Au Bon Climat Wild Boy Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County 2021
Chardonnay is the shining star of white grapes in the US and nowhere does them quite like Santa Barbara. The unique topography and climate creates complex styles with mineral notes and plenty of fruit. The grapes for his entry level Santa Barbera Chardonnay are sourced from both the slightly cooler Santa Maria Valley AVA and the warmer Santa Ynez Valley AVA. The wine displays tropical stone fruit and toasty notes from the French oak aging. Despite it’s wacky label, this is a very classy wine, with a stylistic nod to Burgundian Chardonnay with its freshness and minerality.
Oak Farm Vineyards Albarińo 2022
Lodi is known for producing some of the worlds best Zinfandel and the climate also makes it great for Spanish grapes like Albarino. Originating in Galicia and known for making crisp citrus styles that pair fantastic with seafood. Stainless steel-aged, this wine is delicately clean, offering scents of lime zest, citrus blossom, and jasmine. It delights with refreshing acidity, a dry finish, and subtle mineral undertones, providing a palate-cleansing experience. Best enjoyed chilled, it pairs beautifully with lighter seafood dishes like grilled halibut, shrimp, or ceviche. It's also a great match for light summer pasta dishes and medium-bodied cheeses, making it a good choice for mildly spiced Asian cuisine.
Zinfandel is often hailed as America’s heritage grape, and there's no better time to enjoy it than on Independence Day. Known for its bold, fruity flavours and spicy undertones, California Zinfandel is a versatile wine that pairs wonderfully with classic barbecue dishes. Whether you're grilling burgers, ribs, or sausages, a robust Zinfandel will enhance your meal with its rich and complex profile. Avalon blend traditional practices in the vineyard with modern technology in the winery to create approachable styles of wine. Aged in both European and American oak, this classic Lodi Zinfandel shows big, expressive dark fruit with a hint of smoke and spice. Juicy and structured with a velvety long finish.
Colene Clemens Dopp Creek Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir 2020
For those who prefer a lighter, more nuanced wine, Oregon Pinot Noir is an excellent choice. Renowned for its elegance and depth, Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley offers notes of cherry, raspberry, and earthy undertones. It's a perfect match for grilled salmon, roasted vegetables, or a charcuterie board.
We are excited to introduce Joe Stark who, along with his wife Vicki, owns Colene Clemens Vineyard in Oregon. From the outset, their unwavering goal was to produce the finest Pinot Noir possible, maintaining uncompromising standards in vineyard preparation, farming practices, and winemaking. Guided by the skilled and dedicated Steve Goff as winemaker and vineyard manager, they meticulously employed proven, minimally invasive methods to realize this ambition. Dopp Creek Pinot Noir epitomizes the essence of their Estate, embodying their most adaptable and versatile wine. The 2020 Dopp Creek greets with subtle fragrances of lush purple fruit and thyme flowers. This accessible Pinot Noir has a succulent, rounded palate teeming with notes of sweet cranberry and cherry, woven alongside hints of cardamom and savoury herbs. Exhibiting fine balance, this captivating Pinot Noir offers a truly delightful sipping experience.
Waterstone Napa Valley Merlot 2018
When it comes to American wine, Napa Valley is iconic. Known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, with its full-bodied structure, ripe black fruit flavours, and hints of oak, this wine is a celebration in itself. We wouldn't be Butler's if we didn't offer a cheeky little alternative, this Merlot from Waterstone is an absolute showstopper and something new if you've already tried your hand at the big, brash Cab Savs.
Waterstone Winery, founded in 2000, aims to create high-quality, affordable wines by leveraging their strong relationships with Napa Valley growers and vintners. Unlike many in the industry, they focus on winemaking rather than owning vineyards or facilities. Thanks to the small, concentrated berries from low-yield vines, the wine offers rich flavour and excellent aging potential. Both vineyards that produce the grapes are on long-term contracts, ensuring consistency across vintages. This Merlot boasts complex aromas and flavours, including ripe black cherries, freshly baked brioche, vanilla bean, and dark chocolate. It's a medium-bodied wine with velvety tannins and a lingering finish of fresh blackberries. This would be perfect alongside some lamb chops or even a rich chocolate dessert.
Cline Cellars Late Harvest Mourvèdre 2019 375ml
If you are looking for something sweeter for this special occasion, look no further than this gorgeous dessert wine from Sonoma County. Founded in 1982 by Fred Cline, a descendant of Italian settlers in the US, the winery initially took root in Oakley, Contra Costa County. They eventually relocated their winemaking operations to a 350-acre ranch in Carneros Valley. They embraced sustainable farming practices in 2000 and constructed the largest solar-panelled winery in California. While many in California during the '80s concentrated on Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, Fred Cline recognized the potential of Rhône varieties and Zinfandel in his vineyards.
This luxurious dessert wine is made from from 100 year old unirrigated Mourvèdre vines. The grapes are left on the vine until they have begun to raisin are at the peak of their sugar content producing incredible natural sweetness. This results in a small yield of very concentrated fruit. The nose is full of sweet black cherry and chocolate notes leading into a rich, fully sweet palate. This is a perfect wine for chocolate mousse.
No 4th of July celebration is complete without the perfect wine to complement your festivities. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue, or a casual picnic, the diverse range of American wines offers something for every palate and occasion.
At Butler's, we pride ourselves on curating a selection of the finest U.S. wines to enhance your celebrations. Visit us to explore these and other great options, and let our knowledgeable staff help you find the perfect bottle.
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