July 4 is the day our nation finally declared independence from King George III. It did not signify independence for all residents of America, but it was a start for a new nation of complicated heritage. We are still working on this grand experiment of democracy, trying to be more inclusive and responsible to our core Declaration values.

As we celebrate our heritage, with all its bumps and warts, let’s share some tasty food and wine with friends, family, and perhaps strangers in honor of the best of what we are. Here are some suggestions on wines to make your celebration a success. —Anita Skogland

Pulenta Estate 2018 Pinot Gris XIV, Agrelo, Mendoza, Argentina
Paul Hobbs, an international winery advisor, helped Pulenta develop this pinot gris. With light straw color, medium-plus acidity, and soft stone fruit flavors, this wine will pair with your veggie selections, shellfish, and cheese plates. $12.99, winestore. 

Sandy Cove Sauvignon Blanc 2019, Marlborough, New Zealand
Zesty lime, fresh cut grass, and summer herbs make this a good all-around white for appetizers, seafood, chicken, or tacos. Less acidic than many sauvignon blanc wines, it will work with spice. $15.99, Foxcroft Wine Co. 

Quinta de Chocapalha Arinto 2018, Portugal
The Arinto grape is grown on more than 20 acres northwest of Lisbon. Orange zest, minerality, and medium acidity help this lively wine pair with salads, fish, and roast chicken. $14.99, Assorted Table Wine Shoppe.

Chateau Thivin Beaujolais Villages Rosé, France
Bright fresh berries on the nose, and dry with lime zest and cherry on the palate. Chill this wine to 45 degrees and quaff with your grilled foods across the board. This gamay grape-based wine from France will be a crowd pleaser and all-day thirst quencher. $20, Black Chicken Wine Cellar.

Dover Vineyards Cabernet Franc, North Carolina
Elizabeth Dover has a stellar pedigree in wine education and wine making, and she grows her own grapes on Dover Family Farm. Cabernet franc is one of the most successful French grapes to grow in North Carolina. I tasted the 2015, which held up well over five years. The wine is somewhat chewy with herbal notes on the nose and dark plum, a bit of earth and pepper on the palate. Enjoy it with burgers and beef. $23.99, Assorted Table Wine Shoppe.

Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais-Villages 2017 Gamay
This red can handle a light chill, perhaps 60 degrees, and the lovely fruit will still win you over. Packed with bright fresh flavors of blueberry, dark cherry, and a medium-plus body, this versatile red can be consumed with all your July 4 selections, from potato salad to smoked ribs. $14.99, Whole Foods.

Chelsea Goldschmidt Alexander Valley 2018 Merlot
Chelsea is named after winemaker Nick’s daughter. This is a great value merlot, with plum and raspberry on the nose, chocolate and blackberry on the palate. Well-integrated tannins and a full body work very well with your most rich and flavorful meats, grilled tofu, roasted artichokes, and hot dogs. $16.99, winestore.

Domaine Les Grands Bois 2016 Les 3 Soeurs, Côtes du Rhone, France
This is a perennial favorite in the portfolio of importer Peter Weygandt.  A serious value wine that never stops giving, made from grenache, carignan, and syrah grapes harvested from old vines. The aroma has spice, plum, and rosemary, while the palate is rich and full-bodied. Enjoy this wine with charcuterie, grilled pork or beef, baked potatoes, or lamb. $15.99, Foxcroft.

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