Introduction to Summer Wines
Some suggestions here from The Summer Issue for sparkling and still wines that can hold their own against the most pitiless summer heat.
Mark Gauert
Chardonnay Picks
Concha y Toro’s Amelia Chardonnay from the Quebrada Seca Vineyard in the Limari Valley of Chile.
2023 Amelia Chardonnay, SRP $34.99, conchaytoro.com/en/vinos/amelia/
Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon 2021’s No. 1 Wine Spectator rating may be getting all the press at the moment, but Concha y Toro’s Amelia Chardonnay from the Quebrada Seca Vineyard in the Limari Valley of Chile is a revelation of its own. It’s a Chardonnay to win back anyone who’s down on Chardonnays, a flinty flavor bomb of pear and sea salt from the cooling Pacific breeze. Especially perfect with shellfish, brie, camembert – or just sipping.
Sauvignon Blanc Options
Summer does not belong to Chardonnays exclusively. Rombauer’s Chardonnay may be better known, but the Sauvignon Blanc deserves a place on wine-chiller racks as well.
Rombauer Vineyards 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, SRP $28; Luekens Wine & Spirits, B-21, Redneck Wine Company, Happy Wine in the Grove; rombauer.com/product/carneros-chardonnay
An amiable companion with fish tacos, salad niçoise and goat cheese. Most tasters may discern honeydew from the pale yellow wine in their glass, but some in Florida will swear it’s Key lime. Go ahead, pour yourself another piece of pie.
Sparkling Wines for Summer
Nothing livens up a hot garden party – or just a garden-variety hot South Florida summer day – than a sparkling wine.
J Vineyards Sparkling Brut Rosé, SRP $50; Legacy Wine & Liquors, Mr. D, Luekens Wine & Spirits; jwine.com.
J Vineyard’s Brut Rosé is an especially festive sparkler of citrus and floral aromas that goes great with paella, brunch nova scotia and camembert. It’s also a pretty wine that will strew rose petals on any party, hot or garden variety.
More Sparkling Options
Courtesy
Etude 2019 Blanc De Noirs
Etude Winery 2019 Grace Benoist Ranch Blanc de Noirs, SRP $60; etudewines.com.
Pour a flute of this sparkling masterpiece of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes from the northwest corner of California’s Carneros vineyards and your mind may begin to wander. Is it Etude with an accent over the first é, meaning, in French, “study.” Or is it etude popularly without the accent, meaning an instrumental composition designed to provide practice material for perfecting a particular musical skill.” Heck, since this is such a friendly California wine, redolent of strawberries, red currants and toasty brioche, you might even wonder – admittedly after several flutes – if it’s somehow related to The Dude, from “The Big Lebowski.” We’ll pour another while you make up your mind on that. Meanwhile, Etude abides.
Conclusion
These wines are perfect for sipping on a sizzling summer day. Whether you prefer Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or sparkling wine, there’s something for everyone. So go ahead, pour yourself a glass, and enjoy the summer weather.
FAQs
Q: What is the price range of the recommended wines?
A: The price range of the recommended wines is between $28 and $60.
Q: What type of food pairs well with the recommended wines?
A: The recommended wines pair well with a variety of foods, including shellfish, brie, camembert, fish tacos, salad niçoise, and goat cheese.
Q: Are the recommended wines available in stores?
A: Yes, the recommended wines are available in stores, including Luekens Wine & Spirits, B-21, Redneck Wine Company, Happy Wine in the Grove, and online at the winery’s websites.
