Favorite Wines for Al Fresco Dining

It’s mid August and your vacation is finished, your college kids are more than ready to get back to campus, or you are gearing up for back to school shopping with your little ones.  Some stores are stocking their shelves with Halloween candy.  Magazines are beginning to promote their fall recipes.  If you are living in an area which has bit hit with a heat wave you are looking forward to the crisp, cool days of autumn.

But wait!  The Polar Vortex isn’t here yet and you can still breathe the air without frozen nostrils…it is still summer by the way.  In the next several weeks, I’ll suggest an outdoor activity and wine pairing for the last lazy, hazy days of summer.  All you have to do is purchase some wonderful wine and invite your favorite friends or family for a guaranteed terrific time!

Nothing says summer like dining outside on a lovely balmy evening.  Twinkling lights on the patio, fresh flowers, a beautifully set table, and a savory dinner with delicious wine and plenty of laughter always soothe the soul.  Whether you dine al fresco at your favorite restaurant or create a Pinterest–worthy scene on your patio you, too, can make memories to last into fall…especially if you find the wines reviewed below!

*Hyland Estates Gewurtztraminer 2013 (sample) – I haven’t been a huge fan of Gewurtztraminer as any of you regular readers are aware.  There aren’t many reviews on my site!  However, historic Hyland Estates from Dundee, Oregon has opened my eyes to the nuances of a Pacific Northwest style which I love.  Even before the first sip, my mind raced with anticipation as my nose tingled with the intense aromas of spice, lychee, stone fruits, and roses.  Could there really be a Gewurtztraminer I enjoy?  Ahhh, yes! On the palate, the rich tastes of spice, touch of lavender, subtle acidity, minerality, and full body led to a long and thrilling finish.  Pair with your appetizers, sushi, Thai dishes, or your favorite seafood.  Cost is $28.

*Palmina Malvasia Bianco 2012 (sample) – From Santa Barbara County, this incredibly aromatic wine was light and crisp. Citrus, fresh, green apples, and jasmine wafted out of the glass.  Bone dry with medium acidity, this smooth and balanced Malvasia Bianco presented tastes of lime, stone peaches, white fruit, and lemon.  The wine’s minerality and salinity call for a cheese platter and crackers and some sweet and salty wontons.  Cost is $26.

*Hyland Estates Pinot Noir 2011 (sample) – If you are a Pinot Noir lover, you’ll be pleased to taste your new favorite!  Light ruby in the glass, aromas of bright fruit including cherries that literally burst from the skins, a bit of smoke and fennel alluded to an old world style of Pinot Noir.  Herbal notes on the palate paired with more of that deep red fruit, spice, and pepper helped balance this dry wine with medium acidity.  Honestly, this wine became more complex as it aerated and the smooth, long finish was amazing.  Pair with rich cheeses, light meats, chicken, and your favorite guests.  Cost is $38.

*Piccini Brunello di Montalcino 2009 (sample) – Brunello di Montalcino in Tuscany may be one of my favorite regions for Sangiovese.  Piccini has created a delicious wine of 100% Sangiovese Grosso and this wine will complement the flavors of any tomato based dishes, pastas, roasts, or pork you may enjoy while you dine under the stars.  On the nose, I found cherries, herbs, earth, and soft, sweet spices.  An intense flavor profile featured red fruit, more herbs, and white pepper.  Dry with medium acidity and soft tannins, this balanced Brunello was full bodied and absolutely delicious.  Cost is $60.

  Cheers to the last days of summer! ~ Cindy

 **Next week:  Boat Worthy Wines**