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"Summer Sippin"
This is the time of year we get outside, fire up the grill and dust off the picnic table. Keeping a variety of wines on hand is always a good idea and makes for easy entertaining. I like to have everything from sparklers to reds on hand so pairing summertime fare is a breeze. Remember to keep your wines at the right temperature 45 - sparklers, 50 - whites and 60 - reds. If the temperature is 90 degrees even your reds need to cool down. The best wines for this time of the year are wines that have good acidity, lower in alcohol, less oaked and low in tannins. Acidity makes the wines refreshing and more appealing in the heat. Nowadays you can find incredible wine values from all across the globe and this summer be sure to explore the many countries and regions to excite your palate. Spain is still churning out killer valued wines and these also pair well with a myriad of summertime foods. Don't miss out on some of these gems. Also keep tasting the great values from Chile and Argentina. The Sauvignon Blanc's are getting quite good and work well as starter wines and pair with shrimp, fish and fresh green salads. Here are some new mouthwatering wines that will surely be the hit at your next gathering.
1) Lamarca Prosecco, Italy - I love Italian sparklers this time of the year and here is a new one that rocks. Aromas and flavors of lemon, peach and crisp apple notes cleanse the palate. Super refreshing and enjoyable. Great as an aperitif or works well with scallops, shrimp, tilapia or in a mimosa.
2) Yali Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Chile - This grape variety is one of my favorites in the summer because of its snappy refreshing style and flavors. Light green in color with aromas of tropical fruits and grapefruit. Flavors of limes and stone fruits explode in the mouth exciting the palate for the next bite of cheese and crackers. Sure to be a crowd pleaser. Pair with walleye and shrimp cocktail. .
3) Lagar De Cervera Albarino 2008, Spain - The grape is the Albarino and is your ultimate wine for summertime seafood off the grill. It also is great as a sipper when the friends arrive. Bright yellow color with aromas of ginger and oranges fill the glass. Mouthwatering flavors of apples, pears and apricots coat the mouth with bracing acidity. A great summertime bottle of vino! Pair with grilled seafood or fresh salads.
4) Alexander Valley Vineyards Dry Rosé of Sangiovese 2009, Sonoma County - If you don't drink pink in the summer you need to start. Dry rosés are some of the most refreshing and food friendly wines for outdoors. This one is my new favorite and is a must try for all lovers of serious rosé. Gorgeous bright pink in color with aromas of fresh cut watermelon and strawberries. Flavors of ripe raspberries explode in the mouth making me want to take another sip. Pair with cold cuts, chicken, cheese and baguette or just as a sipper.
5) Paso A Paso 2008, Spain - Mind blowing for the price and is 100% Tempranillo grape. Spain doesn't stop with the value gems and this is one sitting on the counter of my kitchen right now. Almost purple in color with heady aromatics of spice, soy sauce and black cherry. Gorgeous mouthfeel with flavors of blackberry and more black cherry on the palate. This wine taste like a wine triple its price and that's no lie. Great length on the finish and depth on the palate. Pair with grilled pork loin, ribs and medium rare steaks. Very food friendly and a must try for all wine drinkers.
Happy grillin and sippin!
Sommelier
Jeff Anderson
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