PERFECT YOUR SUMMERTIME PICNIC
Sunny days, long weekends, and summer breaks inspire wine and food pairings that can enhance any outdoor outing. Our 2021 Blanc de Noirs and 2024 Rosé of Pinot Noir are our favorites for the season, with bright fruit notes and crisp bubbles.
To help you prepare for summer picnics, Chef Forest Kellogg offers his recommendations for the perfect cheese and charcuterie pairings and his picnic basket checklist, so you won’t miss a thing.
SPARKLING SIPS FOR SUMMER
2021 blanc de noirs
Our sparkling Blanc de Noirs explores the delicate red fruit character of Pinot Noir. Lively and bright, notes of ruby grapefruit, plum, and citrus blossom are complemented by herbaceous hints of dusty forest, lemon thyme and baked gingerbread. Beautifully balanced with a crisp, vibrant finish.
“[The 2021 Blanc de Noirs] is great for a spring day. I love to enjoy this wine with my friends out on the porch.”
— Becca Del Solar, Assistant Winemaker
Cheese and Charcuterie Essentials
Whether you’re packing for a picnic, dressing your dining table, or enjoying a pre-dinner snack, the right cheese and charcuterie can enhance the flavors of your favorite summer wines. Below are Chef Forest’s recommendations for what to pair with 2021 Blanc de Noirs.
Cheese:
Brie & GruyÈre
Brie’s creamy texture and mild flavor complement Blanc de Noirs’ acidity while Gruyère’s nutty and sweet flavor pair with the wine’s fruit character.
Alternative: tangy goat cheese
Charcuterie:
Prosciutto
Its delicate, salty flavor turns up the vibrancy of the wine.
Alternative: smoked fish
Small Bites:
Fresh Berries & Almonds
Berries highlight the wine’s fruit notes while the almonds complement its hints of earthiness.
Put it All Together With:
Prosciutto-wrapped melon with basil is lovely with 2021 Blanc de Noirs, offering a beautiful balance of sweet, savory, and aromatics. Include a sliced baguette or crackers to your spread.
soak Up the Sunshine with Rosé
2024 Rosé of PINOT NOIR
Our 2024 Rosé of Pinot Noir offers the best of the style. Fragrant spring florals and ripe red fruit on the nose carry through to the bright, crisp
palate, joined by notes of strawberry, cherry, and watermelon. Subtle hints
of mandarin and creaminess add a touch of richness. This summertime
favorite is a versatile food pairing.
“I love to enjoy this Rosé with my friends and a charcuterie board, particularly on a picnic blanket on
the lawn. We create a beautiful spread and then we
enjoy this Rosé all together.”
— Devan Fredrickson, Senior Digital Marketing Specialist
Cheese and Charcuterie Essentials
Whether you’re packing for a picnic, dressing your dining table, or enjoying a pre-dinner snack, the right cheese and charcuterie can enhance the flavors of your favorite summer wines. Below are Chef Forest’s recommendations for what to pair with 2024 Rosé of Pinot Noir.
Cheese:
Feta & Fresh
Mozzarella
The briny flavor of feta pairs well with the Rosé’s acidity, while the light and creamy fresh mozzarella complements the wine’s fresh character.
Alternative: Gouda
Charcuterie:
Smoked Ham &
Chicken Pâté
Smoked ham’s bold, salty flavor is a great match to this fruit-forward wine, and the pâté is a lighter option that complements the wine’s lively acidity.
Alternative: Mild Spanish chorizo
Alternative: smoked fish
Small Bites:
Cherry Tomatoes
& Olives
The sweetness and acidity of the cherry tomatoes complement the same characteristics in the wine. The olives provide a salty contrast.
Put it All Together With:
Try watermelon and feta skewers. The sweet watermelon and salty feta create a perfect balance when paired with 2024 Rosé of Pinot Noir. Always include a sliced baguette or crackers to your spread.
Chef Forest’s Picnic Checklist
Now that you have your perfect summertime wines and delicious pairings, it’s time to pack your picnic basket. Here’s Chef Forest’s checklist for creating a picture-perfect picnic.
- Pre-cut and pack everything in airtight containers to keep food fresh and avoid crushing
- A small cutting board and knife for serving
- Insulated bag or cooler to keep everything at the right temperature, especially the wine
- Reusable utensils and napkins for convenience and sustainability
- Toothpicks or small skewers for easy serving of small bites
- Bottle opener for your favorite J wines
- A good blanket for laying out your picnic spread
Don’t Miss
Bubbles & Beignets
July 6
Get a taste of the Big Easy at J as we serve up fresh beignets with assorted sauces paired with select wines from our portfolio on our Terrace.
$60 per person | $45 per person for Club members
