BY: Warren Dennis, WINE EXPERT- MEGA PACKAGE
The long, hot days of summer in Suwanee call for plenty of cool, refreshing vino! Luckily, the different options are as abundant as all the seasonal foods we love to have with them. Whether it’s seafood, chicken, steaks, ribs, or fresh veggies, it’s likely coming off your backyard grill. We’ll help you make the right choice for your taste and your budget…
Most of the best summer wines are light on the palate and on the pocketbook. Consider Sauvignon Blanc, a go-to wine for summer. There is a world of style for this most versatile grape. You can try the zesty, citrusy-grapefruity versions from New Zealand, the distinctively mineral Sancerre from France, or the classic White Bordeaux- often blended with Sémilon grapes for a more grassy, pungent flavor. Of course California can touch on each of these nuances at a wide range of price and quality. One of the best is Pedroncelli, from the highly regarded Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma County. It smells like Ruby Red Grapefruit, but tastes refreshing with typical flavors of white stone fruit, fresh herbs and mowed grass. It’s also a “Best Buy” for only $10.99.
Refreshing white wines are always nice, but I also must recommend the Hecht & Bannier Rose from Provence. It has immense charm with berry and red apple skin notes with hints of purple flowers. One of the vineyards is literally yards from the Mediterranean Sea, which adds a snappy, maritime zest, perfect for summertime sipping. They even harvest the grapes from 3 until 9 AM to retain all the freshness they have to offer!
Or how about the bubblies? Prosecco is exploding [literally] in today’s market. With its’ milder, fruitier profile than traditional champagnes and an average price point well under $20, the Italian Bubbly jumped over 30% in sales last year. Our newest version is Ai Galli DOC Millesimato at $14.99. The white peaches and acacia flowers provide a soft sparkle that goes with just about anything: especially shrimp dishes, Chicken Alfredo, and late afternoons. Portugal provides us with an ideal “summer slammer” in their Vinho Verde. It’s called “Frizzante” due to the very slight carbonation which tap dances across your palate. Literally translated, the term “vinho verde” means “young, green wine” as it’s usually consumed in the 1st or 2nd year. W you is a new brand in town– a wine made with “You” in mind. Under $10 with an intense bouquet of citrus, it is round in the mouth with lots of fruit, balanced acidity, and a big dollop of deliciousness.
Summer BBQs with steaks or ribs on the grill do call for some red wines too. Light and fruity picnic wines from Beaujolais are nice and they love a quick chill-maybe a half hour in the fridge. But more often than not we go for a nice Pinot Noir. It is the most versatile red wine, pairing well with chicken, beef or even sushi. Try the Domaine Chandon Pinot from Carneros. Best known for their sparkling wines, Chandon grows marvelous fruit. This pinot has cherry & plum flavors with toasty oak & sage notes. The winery assures me that it’s great with grilled octopus, but I know first hand that it goes marvelously with grilled salmon, too!
