Do you have permission to board the boat? Of course! But only if you want to enjoy some fun and affordable wine! Now that our family has the boat we’ve always dreamed of, I love everything about this summer lifestyle: watching the sun rise from the bow, anticipating that perfect moment during a brisk ride, returning to the harbor after a sunny day, and, of course, having drinks on the dock with good friends, as we admire the sunset and chat about our day. As you can imagine, wine is involved and I always have a bottle chilling and ready to share.
Luckily for us all, I’ve found five delicious and interesting white wines to enjoy on the pier, while on the water, or…anywhere else! You’ll want to find a bottle of these budget friendly choices to swirl, sip, and savor on a glorious boating day (…even if you don’t have a boat).
Monopole 2015 (CVNE) (sample) – If you haven’t had the opportunity to taste a wine of 100% Viura from the Rioja region of Spain, this is your chance. Monopole is the oldest white wine of Spain and CVNE has been producing it since 1815. On the nose, I found notes of stone fruit, especially ripe pear. Minerality, snappy acidity, and tastes of herbs and cool melon were as smooth as that glassy water on the lake. The Monopole 2015 is an easy drinking, summertime wine you’ll enjoy sip after sip. Cost is $13.
Laxas Albarino 2015 (
sample) – I’ve written about
Albarino from Rias Baixas and have paired them with
recipes you’ll love. Like Viura, Albarino may be a varietal that you may have heard of, but not tasted. Find this wonderful wine and bring it on the boat! Because the grape growing area, Galicia in northwest Spain, is close to the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll easily detect notes of sea spray on your nose and palate. You’ll love the rich texture, full mouthfeel of stone and orchard fruit, moderate acidity, and a clean, mineral-like finish. Boat worthy appetizers of ricotta on toast, grilled shrimp or scallops, and steamed mussels will be a terrific complement to the flavors of the Laxas Albarino 2015. Cost is $18.
Vignoble Gibault Sauvignon Blanc 2015 (
sample) – From the Loire Valley, this classic example of 100% Sauvignon Blanc will confirm what you already know: the Loire Valley is producing wines that are a wine lover’s dream come true. I was mesmerized with the aromas of straw, green grass, limestone and tropical fruit. On the palate, I found notes of tangerine, lime, and minerality with high acidity and a long finish. With a cheese platter (remember the goat cheese, a brilliant pairing) or oysters on the half shell, sipping wine on the boat doesn’t get much better! Cost is $11.
Muscardini Pinot Grigio 2014 (
sample) – We love our boat to be in the water, but none of us wants our Pinot Grigio to taste like it! No worries with this wine…The Pinot Grigio from Muscardini Cellars in Sonoma County was an unexpected gift to my palate. Ripe stone fruit, citrus, and floral notes were beautiful on the nose. With its rich, broad mouthfeel, just-right acidity, juicy, lip smacking citrus on the palate, and a long, succulent finish, I was blown away with the quality. This is Pinot Grigio done the way I love it! Cost is $24.
Lindeman’s Bin 65 Chardonnay 2015 (
sample) – From southeastern Australia, easy drinking Bin 65 was introduced in 1985. It remains incredibly popular, thanks to consistent accolades and a budget friendly price. Aromas of green apple, honeydew, and peach were prevalent on the nose. Balanced with medium acidity, this 100% Chardonnay was aged in French oak. Rich, ripe citrus notes led to a lovely finish. Pair the Bin 65 Chardonnay with a lobster roll or crab cakes with aioli sauce on the side. Cost is $8.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
Lest I forget to mention: remember to pour your wine in my new favorite wine glass, HaloVino (see photo below). This stemless, shatterproof, spillproof glass made from food grade, BPA polymer is re-usable and recyclable. It’s now my go-to for any wine poured on the boat. Bonus? HaloVino is less than $1 per glass. Check it out!
Rachel
Cindy Rynning