Red, White, and Blue Pairings, Inspired by a Spanish Ally: Albarino From Rias Baixas

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - Jun 25, 2013) - From barbecues to bonfires, pool parties to beach trips, Independence Day is a holiday filled with family and friends, abundant sunshine, and of course, delicious food. While the grill remains king, take inspiration from one the U.S.' Revolutionary War allies, and let Spain's signature white wine set the menu for sides in shades of red, white, and blue. Set taste buds off at any July 4^th celebration with a firework of a wine -- Albariño, the zesty white wine from Rías Baixas.

Hailing from Rías Baixas in Galicia, a region of Spain known for sunny days, beautiful beaches, and lush green hillsides, Albariño is the definition of a "summer wine." Its refreshing acidity, bright citrus flavors, and hint of ocean salinity make it just right for hot days and warm nights. These qualities also make Albariño exceptionally food-friendly, even with foods red, white, and blue. Add one of these patriotic, Albariño-friendly dishes to your Fourth of July menu, and guests will be clamoring for an invite to your celebration next year.

Red: Simple yet refreshing, a tomato-basil salad adds brightness to a plate filled with grilled meats. Drizzle tomatoes with a touch of olive oil and red wine vinegar -- Albariño's acidity can stand up to the dressing. Planning to attend a celebration this Fourth, instead of hosting? Bring a fiery, roasted chile salsa and a bottle of Albariño to cool off that palate afterwards.

White: Pasta salad is a must-have at every summer party, but why not switch things up for the holiday? Spice up a standard recipe by adding crumbled chorizo. Or, let Albariño be the side-dish all on its own; a well-chilled glass is necessary to stay cool while tending the grill.

Blue: Add color to the chip bowl with blue potato chips, either store-bought or easily made by slicing blue potatoes thinly, seasoning with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roasting in the oven. After all, little-known fact: Galicia is famous for its potatoes! The deep blue sea holds inspiration too: the most traditional pairing of northwest Spain, Albariño is excellent paired with nearly any kind of seafood -- baked, grilled, fried, or raw.

Best of all, there's no need to forgo summer vacation plans in order to afford an Albariño-splashed celebration. Most bottles run between $10-20 -- an excellent price point for hosts and guests alike.

It's time to turn, once again, to our trusty Spanish ally, this time in the form of a delicious white wine: crisp Albariño, the finest white wine from Rías Baixas, Spain.

For more information on Albariño or Rías Baixas, or for samples of Albariño in advance of the Fourth of July holiday, please contact Courtney Schiessl at cschiessl@cornerstonepr.com or 212-605-0370.