Each month members of the Court of Master Sommeliers, an international association of wine experts, suggest pairings for popular menu items. Here they offer up both premium and bargain wines for sultry summer days. The sommeliers do not represent or have a financial interest in any of their recommendations.

Guy Stout, MS, corporate director for beverage education, Glazer’s Family of Companies, Houston

Bargain Wine: 2009 Terrazas Alto Malbec, Argentina
Grape variety: Malbec
Taste profile: Big, rich, smoky aromas of black fruit and cedar. Round and chewy on the palate with a firm, ripe, black-fruit finish. There are some tannins in this wine, but it’s not astringent.
Pairings: This wine needs to chill during the summer months to about 55 degrees to make the tannins softer. Try it with a blackened tuna steak or steak with chimichurri salsa.
Average wholesale case price: $117

Premium wine: 2010 Cloudy Bay, Marlborough, New Zealand
Grape varieties: Sauvignon Blanc
Taste profile: The wine has a come-hither floral aroma of jasmine and fuchsia, with lime zest, grapefruit, and a hint of cilantro. The wine is crisp and exciting on the palate, and so fresh. It’s perfectly refreshing on a warm day.
Pairings: I think of oysters, shrimp, crab and fish — like tuna tartare — with this wine. Try it with a seafood salad or a Caesar salad with grilled shrimp.
Average wholesale case price: $253

Jason Heller, MS, trade ambassador, BOND Estates, St. Helena, Calif.

Value wine: 2009 Henry Fessy Fleurie, Beaujolais, France
Grape variety: Gamay
Taste profile: Bright, high-toned red raspberry, red cherry and strawberry jump from the glass with light, wet stone minerality and floral notes. Moderate body, zippy acidity and low tannin make this wine delicious and refreshing.
Pairings: The low tannin and alcohol level and lack of new wood, coupled with elevated acidity, make this a great red wine pairing for most seafood, including tuna in both cooked and raw preparations, lighter meats, salumi, and some spicy foods.
Average wholesale case price: $85

Premium wine: 2009 Domaine Sigalas, Santorini, Greece Grape variety: Assyrtiko
Taste profile: Citrus driven by lemon and lime, notes of orchard and stone fruits, including green apples, pears and peaches. Medium body, fresh and vibrant acidity, and distinct minerality.
Pairings: Simple and straightforward seafood including oysters and ceviche, as well as grilled dishes, moderately spicy food and dishes with some tartness.
Average wholesale case price: $156

Brian McClintic, MS, regional manager, Heirloom Wine Group, San Francisco

Bargain wine: Tintero “Grangia” NV Piedmont, Italy
Grape varieties: 90 percent Favorita, 10 percent Moscato
Taste profile: Tintero is essentially a slightly effervescent Vermentino — the Northern Italians call the grape “Favorita.” A touch of Moscato adds apricot and orange-blossom character, but Vermentino, like most Italian whites, yields a crisp, citrus-driven style with subtle almond notes.
Pairings: Oysters, soft cheeses, salads, caviar. It also pairs great with a porch swing in a heat wave if you’re too lazy to spike your iced tea.
Average wholesale price: $96

Premium wine: 2009 Thivin Côte de Brouilly, Cru Beaujolais, France
Grape variety: Gamay
Taste profile: Thivin’s Cru Beaujolais is classic Gamay: light body and refreshing acidity with candied red fruits of strawberry, watermelon and cranberry.
Pairings: Anything Pinot Noir does, Gamay can do better. The lack of new oak makes it slightly more versatile: Pair this with lighter meats, fowl, sautéed mushrooms, grilled tuna and vegetables.
Average wholesale price: $180

Learn more: Meet the Master Sommeliers. Check out bios and photos.