In honor of Drops of God, I decided to start my foodie post off this week with a list of wines you’ll find me drinking this summer. And naturally, because I believe in mariage, I’ve paired each wine with a dish. So, without further ado, let’s talk wine.

Read our recommendation of The Drops of God.

(Click photos to enlarge.)

Foxglove Chardonnay

This white wine is crisp and to the point, with a silky finish. Since it is steel-aged it lacks the prominent oakiness that is characteristic of Chardonnays, but for me that it a definite bonus. Also, avoiding the need for pricy oak barrels contributes to its affordable price of $11.99.

For you wine buffs, the 2010 received 90 Points from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate. According to Parker, this affordable Californian gem “possesses tons of ripe, varietal fruit in a style that is quite rich but not heavy. Clean citrus and floral notes add freshness on the long finish.” Not bad for a $12 buy.

Pair it: Herbed Goat Cheese adapted from America’s Test Kitchen

Herbed Goat Cheese

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Allergy	Milk
Dietary	Vegetarian
Meal type	Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack

This herbed goat cheese is classy and delicious, perfect as an appetizer or side dish at your next dinner party. Pair it with Foxglove Chardonnay!

Ingredients

• 8oz goat cheese (chilled)
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3/4 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (chopped)
• 3/4 teaspoons fresh chives (minced)
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaves (minced)
• 1 small garlic clove (minced to a puree with 1/8 teaspoon salt)
• ground black pepper

Directions

	Use a piece of dental floss to cut the cheese crosswise into slices ⅓-inch thick.
	Whisk the oil, thyme, chives, rosemary, garlic-salt puree, and pepper to taste together in a small bowl.
	Pour the oil mixture over the cheese. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to one day.

Herbed goat cheese photo via Patent and the Pantry.

Adelsheim Rosé (from Pinot Noir)

It’s summer, so how could I leave out rosé? This one is smooth, bright, and dry, utilizing only subtle fruit flavors that highlight summer without making you feel as if you’ve tumbled into a vat of Boone’s Farm Strawberry. Relish the aromas of “fresh strawberries, raspberries, peach, watermelon and a touch of baking spices” for $19.00.

Pair it: Herbed Tossed Pasta

Herbed Tossed Pasta

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Dietary	Vegetarian
Meal type	Entrée, Main Dish
Region	Italian

This is a quick and easy herbed tossed pasta recipe that goes great with Adelsheim Rosé.

Ingredients

• 2 cups basil (loosely packed)
• 3 garlic scapes (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
• juice from one lemon
• salt and pepper (to taste)

Directions

	Blend everything in a food processor.
	Add olive oil until pesto reaches your desired consistency.
	Mix with pasta and enjoy!

Adelsheim Rosé photo via Wine Searcher.

Layer Cake Primitivo (aka Zinfandel)

Tell that mini-keg of Heineken to step aside, because Primitivo should be your libation of choice for barbeques. Get it for $12.99.

Pair it:  Good, old fashioned, dry rubbed BBQ

Here is a picture of a delicious rib recipe I am dying to try. Unfortunately, I couldn’t squeeze in (read: afford—remember how I just bought all this wine??) a rack of ribs, but when my grocery budget allows, this recipe is next on my list.

Layer Cake Primitivo photo via Layer Cake Wine. Dry rubbed ribs photo via Smitten Kitchen.

Now that you’re good and thirsty, read our recommendation of the book that inspired this recipe: The Drops of God.