"Chill'n it Down"

Now that it's getting super steamy outside we need some wines that take a chill and like it. Refreshing whites, rosés or lighter reds all with snappy acidity and lower in alcohol work well in the ice bucket. Stay away from the high alcohol wines with a lot of oak and tannins and you will be pleasantly surprised. Most of the time when summer arrives we to quickly forget about red wines and just gravitate towards the whites. Lighter fruity reds are great with a chill and many times will pair with a myriad of cuisines. From Salmon to chicken to pork or beef these wines will work. One of the most food friendly reds that loves a chill is a Beaujolais. This wine is made with the Gamay grape in Southern Burgundy and usually done in carbonic maceration. This technique is a whole berry fermentation that makes the wine super fruity and juicy. Rosés are also thirst quenching in the swelter and go great with everything from cold cuts and cheese to grilled chicken. Look for a more dry style that has vibrant fresh fruit flavors. This type of rosé will pair better with food than one with tons of sweetness. Whites kind of follow the rule of the reds in the summer in that heavily oaked ones can be over powering. Crisp and refreshing are the two words I like to hear with my whites. If you enjoy a Chardonnay try an un oaked version as this will be more thirst quenching in the heat. Here is a fun line up of mouthwatering chill'n wines.

1)    Kenwood Pinot Gris 2010, Russian River Valley - This is one of the tastiest domestic Pinot Gris I've had in a year. All of the grapes are sourced from the prestigious Russian River Valley, a cool region that grows "world class" fruit. Many whites from this region sell for triple this price and at this price is a steal. Aromas of pineapple and papaya explode out of the wine. Fresh flavors of lemon, melon and almonds sing on the palate with mouthwatering acidity. A real gem to say the least. Pair with grilled Halibut or goat cheese brushetta.

2)    Valley of the Moon Unoaked Chardonnay 2010, Russian River Valley - Wow! These guys nailed this wine to a tee and then some. For all of you looking to try an unoaked Chardonnay that will certainly blow your mind but not pocket book. Here it is. The wine has aromatics of orange and tangerine. Fresh vibrant fruit flavors of kiwi, apple and lime float seamlessly on the palate. Very refreshing and enjoyable. Pair with grilled Salmon, grilled shrimp skewers or just by itself.

3)    Chateau Pesquié Terrasses Rosé, Rhone Valley - Here is my favorite dry French rosé under 20 bucks this season. The grapes used in the wine are Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah. Typical Rhone varieties that make for superb rosé. Aromas of raspberry and strawberry fill the glass. Fresh cherries, spice and more raspberry notes coat the palate in a thirst quenching style. This one screams "chill me down". Pair with stuffed mushrooms, smoked fish or just by itself.

4)    Georges Duboeuf Morgon 2009, France - The best Beaujolais come from 10 specific crus. Instead of seeing the word Beaujolais or Beaujolais - Villages on the front label you will see the cru. Morgon is one of my favorites because it has more complexity and depth of many other crus. Also 2009 is one of the great modern vintages for these wines. Beautiful crimson color with fresh aromas of black cherries and spice. Flavors of black raspberry, stone fruit and peach coat the mouth in a silky texture. Give it a nice chill and invite the neighbors. Pair with Salmon, grilled chicken skewers or salami and cheese.

5)    Sila Mencia 2009, Monterrei Spain - Not many people have heard of the Mencia grape but for a summer red it's a hit. The grapes are being grown in the region of Monterrei in Galicia, north of the Portuguese border. The winery is Bodegas Pazos del Rey and are making some tasty bottles of this grape. Aromas of red fruits and spice float out of the glass. Juicy black raspberry and more red fruits coat the palate with a hint of pepper. Great acidity with a nice lighter style.

Keep it cool!

Jeff Anderson

Certified Sommelier