I can almost hear the corks popping from summer-ready wines – ‘tis the season. Are you ready for picnics, barbecues, pool parties and any other outside gathering with a glass of wine in hand? Count me in! Recently sent to me as samples are ten wines you’ll love for their refreshing profile, wallet-friendly prices and an ability to pair with food, friends or a good Netflix binge. Enjoy the read and add each to your shopping list. Happy summer!
Roses are my ultimate summer wines and many are always in my wine fridge. Planeta Rosé 2022 ($20.00) is from Sicily’s Planeta family so cue your inner White Lotus and open a bottle now. Refreshing with bright acidity and subtle flavors of peach, fresh strawberries and breezy salinity, this is a wine to serve with salads, light appetizers or fish… or to sip on its own.
I was swept away to the south of France with pours of Jean-Luc Colombo Cape Bleue Rosé 2022 ($15.99). Of Syrah and Mourvedre from limestone vineyards north of Aix-en-Provence, this gorgeous rose exuded notes of cherries, raspberries and juicy strawberries.
The Saget family wines never disappoint and Saget La Perrière “La Petite Perrière” Rosé 2022 ($13.99) is no exception. From Pinot Noir cultivated in France’s Loire Valley, the beautiful wine burst with cherries, spice, raspberries and minerality on both nose and palate. You may have to purchase two bottles – one won’t be enough!
One of the best values I’ve found is Cote Mas Aurore Rosé 2022 (1 liter – $12.49) from Jean-Claude Mas located in France’s Languedoc region. Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah combine to reflect the region’s clay and limestone soil and warm Mediterranean climate. Red fruit, floral notes and hints of sea breezes and sunshine make this wine a go-to favorite.
Chapoutier Belleruche Rosé 2022 ($9) from France’s Cotes du Rhone is the wine to sip at sunset when the sky is the same hue as what’s in the glass. A blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault, this balanced wine was expressive with notes of apricot, florals, herbs and touch of spice. Belleruche means “beautiful beehive” in French and it’s inspired by the bees and hives found in M. Chapoutier’s sustainable vineyards.
I’ve written about the wines from Veramonte in Chile in previous posts and I’ll continue to do so – those that I’ve tasted are value-driven with an approachable style. The following wines are from organic grapes cultivated in Casablanca Valley and each can be found for a mere $13.99. Veramonte Chardonnay 2022 offered aromas and flavors of spice, fresh citrus, lemon, lime, pears and snappy acidity. Pair with chicken salad or seafood on a warm summer day. Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc 2022 was vibrant with snappy citrus aromas and herbs, peaches and minerality – a great pairing with fish or a fresh garden salad. Just lovely with risotto and anything with avocados was Veramonte Pinot Noir 2020, a savory, balanced choice. I noted mouthwatering acidity, soft tannins, elegant aromas and flavors of red cherries and crushed raspberries from the first taste to the last.
It’s hard to believe that the following wines from The Paring are only $25, but they are. 2018 The Pairing Sauvignon Blanc was complex and rich, having been aged in French oak and stainless steel for ten months. It ticked all the boxes I love in a Sauvignon Blanc – fruit forward with citrus and hint of tropical fruit, bright acidity, and a lingering finish. Likewise, 2018 The Paring Red Blend was a hit at a family gathering. A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 20% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot, I found an elegant and expressive wine that burst with flavor – especially with our juicy cheeseburgers right off the grill!
Happy Summer sipping!
Cheers ~ Cindy
