As spring turns into summer, we dust off our patio furniture, fire up the barbecue grill and pour a refreshing glass of wine. Warm weather begs a chilled glass and a wine that pairs with summer cuisine. Allow me to suggest 5 PRiME patio wines for summer.
Dry Rosé is the darling of the summer wine category. The original dry Rosés came from the South of France in Provence, and are predominantly made from Grenache, Mourvedre, Cinsault and Syrah grapes. Currently, these same Rosé styles are made around the world including many produced in the US. Grab a few bottles of dry Rosé before they sell out this year.
Chateau d’Esclans Rock Angel Rose 2015, Cotes de Provence, France – $37.99
Sauvignon Blanc has put New Zealand on the wine map for the last few decades. Fumé Blanc is a Sauvignon Blanc alternative. Robert Mondavi gave Fumé Blanc its name, but basically, it is a Sauvignon Blanc that has had some oak influence.
Craggy Range Winery Te Muna Road Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2016, Martinborough, New Zealand – $21.99
Albarino is the sunniest of Spain’s white wines for summer and a perennial from Northern Portugal. It is now being grown in the US, too. Typically Albarino is from the Galicia and Rias Baixas regions of Spain and the Northern portion of Portugal where it is called Alvarinho.
Quintas de Melgaco QM Alvarinho 2014, Portugal – $25.99
Pinot Gris is grown in some spectacular wine regions like Willamette Valley, Oregon and Alsace, France. Pinot Grigio is the Italian name for the same grape.
King Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Gris 2015, Willamette Valley, OR – $19.99
Last but not least of the great wines for summer is this Rosé of Pinot Noir.
Martin Ray Rosé of Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma CA – $15.99
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