By Michael Bray
Wine is truly a beverage for all seasons. With a wide range of growing regions and a virtually endless diversity of grape varietals and winemaking styles, you are certain to find something delicious to suit your palate.
In this week’s article, I’ll be sharing some of my go-to wine picks for the height of summer.
Dry, Crisp White Wine
from Italy
When it comes to Italian white wine, the first thing that comes to mind for most is Pinot Grigio. While Pinot Grigio is arguably the most well-known Italian white wine export, Italy is home to a variety of indigenous grape varietals that produce a range of delicious and unique wines.
For a wine that shares Pinot Grigio’s light body and crisp mouthfeel but offers a different aromatic and flavor profile, I recommend trying a Vermentino. Widely planted on the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, Vermentino creates bright white wines with aromas of pear, peach, and citrus zest, and flavors of grapefruit and almond. Check out Santa Maria La Palma Aragosta Vermentino di Sardegna ($12.99)
Rosé from France’s
Loire Valley
Provence is a hot-spot for rosé production in France – both figuratively and literally! It is considered by many to be the birthplace of rosé, and its location on the Mediterranean Coast of France boasts an abundance of warm, sunny weather. For a different (but equally delightful) take on rosé, we can travel north to France’s Loire Valley, a region with a cooler climate in which the Cabernet Franc grape thrives. Rosé of Cabernet Franc will offer aromas and flavors of red berry, peach, and pomegranate, with a lively acidity. I recommend Olga Raffault Chinon Rosé from the Loire Valley ($22.99).
Light, Dry Red Wine
from Portugal
Within the last few decades, Portuguese winemakers have started making dry, table-style wines using the indigenous Portuguese varietals that would traditionally only be used to make sweet, rich Port wines. The resulting table wines are light, dry, and fruit-driven with little to no oak aging, making them the ideal companions for summer barbecues. Try Gota Prunus Tinto from Portugal’s Dão region ($14.49), made from a blend of indigenous varietals like Jaen, Tinto Roriz, and Touriga Nacional.
What are your go-to summer wines? Email me at michael@passionvines.com to share your favorites!
Drink passionately,
Michael
Michael Bray is the founder of and director of operations at Passion Vines Wine & Spirit Company in Somers Point and Egg Harbor Township. He serves on numerous local boards.
