Preparing Your Picnic

Preparing Your Picnic...
What Wines Work Best When You Want To Wet Your Whistle?

Summer fare lends itself to the ultimate dining experience – the outdoor, and in many cases, gourmet picnic. It starts with a pretty basket, fresh bread, select delicacies, and of course the perfect wine pairings.

With the Ravinia season just starting, here’s your opportunity to get it going on with these inside tips and picks from Ron Breitstein, owner of Premier Wine Consulting.

While it may not sound like rocket science, Ron’s first down and dirty wine pick tip is to stick with the basics – red wines with meat and white wines with lighter fare – fish, chicken and salads. With this 101 rule of thumb you can’t go wrong.

That tip withstanding, Ron’s first recommendation is to kick off any outdoor eating event with a sparkling wine or even champagne such as:

1. The Roederer Estate. This celebratory fizz is the perfect pairing for any appetizer from the simplest cheese and cracker, specialty dip or chilled shrimp.

2. To keep things light and exciting Ron’s choice is the Conundrum, which as he explains means a puzzle – and in this case combines five different white varietals making it super fresh and fruit.

3. Your safe pick and old stand by is the White Burgundy, Louis Jardon Meursault 2005 – a steller selection and Premier Wine Consulting favorite.

4. For red wine pairings, Ron swears by Pinot Noir and raves about the Hitching Post best known for its film debut in the movie Sideways. Pinot Noir is light and flavorful with a bit of spice and an ideal partner to wild mushrooms, so make sure you include some mushroom pate or even a wild mushroom flatbread in your basket and you’re savoring every second of summer.

5. Lastly, for the BIG and bold flavor without the heaviness or heat Ron swears by the Brunello.

Last thing -- don’t forget your other picnic vitals – the Lever corkscrew, the acrylic wine glasses, the insulated carry all.

Ron Breitstein
Premier Wine Consulting
847-WINE-921
Tastings, Dinners, Business Events, Wine Cellar Management
www.premierwineconsulting.com