"Summertime Wines for all Occasions"

       This is the time of the year we all want to get outside and fire up the grill and chill with family and friends. Its also fun to find a new and refreshing wine thats sure to please all and will pair with the foods for the season. Remember if its 80 to 90 degrees outside give your red wines a chill to make them drinkable and refreshing. This list is a new favorite of mine and will be great for the summer. Also check out the fabulous Sauvignon Blancs coming from Chile and the Albarinos from Spain. Both of these whites are excellent in the heat and are great with summer salads(fresh greens), shrimp and fish. For a fun chillable red I really like J.Lohrs Wildflower, Calf.. It reminds me of a Beaujolais from France but with a touch of sweetness to it.
Hope your summer is filled with plenty of sunshine, family and friends and maybe you'll find a new favorite!

Westerland Celebration White 2006, South Africa - The grapes for this wine are sourced from the Darling Hills area which is located 40 miles north of Cape Town and only 4 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. The cool breeze off the ocean contributes to the crispness in the wine. This is a great sipper for the summer and will be a big hit with everyone at your house because the wine is off-dry(has a touch of sweetness). The wine is a blend of Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc. Light straw in color with fresh aromas of passion fruit and citrus with mouthwatering flavors of lemons, pear and a touch of sweetness ont the finish. Pair with fish, shrimp or serve at picnics with friends and family.

Indaba Shiraz 2008, South Africa - This wine is one of the best South African Shiraz for ten bucks that I've tasted in a long time. It will make an excellent red for the summer because its fresh and juicy and you can even give it a chill in the heat. Deep dark in color with aromas of dark fruits and spice. Succulant flavors of blackberry, blackcherry and blueberry sing on the palate with some spice and pepper on the finish. This would be a wine to buy by the case for all of your summer parties and gatherings. Super versitile! Pair with grilled burgers, sausages and steak. Also great by itself.

Salvatore Principe's Torrontes 2008, Argentina - If you have never tried the Torrontes grape from Argentina than this summer its time to explore. This varietal is very floral and refreshing and is great with a wide array of foods or just by itself. Light straw yellow in color with aromas of spice, apricots and honey. Refreshing flavors of melon and tropical friuts dance on the tongue. This wine smells sweet but is dry and crisp. Pair with summer salads, grilled chicken or veggie wraps.

Dona Paula Estate Malbec 2008, Argentina - This country doesn't stop with the great values from this grape. If your looking for a wine that has the complexity of one triple its price than here it is. This all estate Malbec will be the hit with your signature grilled steaks this summer. Deep dark red in color with complex aromas of blackcherry, spice and Turkish coffee. Flavors of red currant and mocha coat the palate with nice ripe tannins on the end. Great with grilled meats.  Pair with Ribeye, Sirloin, burgers and ribs.

Sommelier
Jeff Anderson