Wines From Around The World For Summer Drinking And Grilling.
The summer solstice, which occurs on June 20th this year in the Northern Hemisphere, marks the formal start of summer. It has been warm and sunny for many weeks in our area, and we have begun to routinely sip wine on our back porch.
On those hot summer days or while enjoying a grilled lunch, the decision of what to drink becomes more urgent. We have six options from across the globe, all of which are very cheaply priced and have been supplied to us as tasting samples, so there is something for everyone.
PROSECCO ZARDETTO BRUT DOCG
A bright yellow prosecco with persistent bubbles, the Zardetto N.V. Brut Prosecco D.O.C. Tastes reminiscent of citrus and white flowers are followed by flavors that are comparable to those of the fragrances, but with crisp acidity and a clean finish that is devoid of any noticeable sweetness. ABV of 11% is used. SPR $17
A mix of at least 85% Glera and up to 15% Pinot Bianco/Chardonnay coming from the northeastern region of Conegliano, this Prosecco is produced using the traditional Charmat process. Colorful and refreshing, this beverage is perfect for sipping before a meal or serving with a summer salad.
Marlborough, New Zealand’s Ponga Sauvignon Blanc (2020 vintage).
2020 Ponga Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand — a light yellow wine with abundant scents of guava, cut grass, and lemon zest; a refreshing wine. The flavors of oat hay, lime, and dry grass are stacked on top of one other, all underpinned by vibrant acidity. Alcohol by volume (ABV): 12.5 percent Typical retail price is $13.
The tastes, which are less herbaceous than the scents, are preserved by using only stainless steel fermentation and bottling as soon as possible. Serving Suggestions: Serve this Sauvignon Blanc with steamed, roasted, or grilled vegetables, as well as seared scallops (my favorite.)
The Mosel region of Germany is home to the 2019 Clean Slate Riesling.
A light yellow wine with rich notes of stone fruit, petrol, and gravel, the 2019 Clean Slate Riesling from the Mosel region of Germany.
Yellow peach, petrol, and rocky minerality are all present in the flavors of this wine, which have an off-dry texture. The finish is kept clean by a high level of acidity.. Absinthe (alcohol by volume) 10.5 percent $14 (retail price)
This wine is a combination of Riesling from the Mosel’s Upper, Middle, and Lower districts. Named in honor of the slate stones that characterize this area, it is a play on words.
As a result of the off-dry finish, this Riesling is simple to drink and provides an excellent match for fruit salads or spicy foods.
Zenato Superiore Valpolicella DOC is a 2017 vintage of the wine.
Intense ruby-garnet color with scents of raspberries, gritty dirt, and touches of leather in the Zenato Superiore Valpolicella DOC 2017. The flavors of raspberry, cherry, and blackberry combine with earthy notes and touches of leather, all of which are supported by silky tannins in a medium-bodied wine with balanced acidity. SRP: $17 for 13.5 percent abv
The grapes for this very sippable mix of 80 percent Corvina, 10 percent Rondinella, and 10 percent Oceleta were harvested, fermented, and matured in neutral French oak for 12 months.
The vivid red fruit tastes are really appealing, and they will make an excellent eating partner to grilled spatchcock chicken or ground pork burgers.
Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile’s Apalta DO, Lapostolle Cuvée Alexandre, 2019.
ripe blackberries, cedar, dusty earth, and red plums abound in the fragrances of this Apalta DO Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile. 2019 Lapostolle Cuvée Alexandre Cabernet Sauvignon, Apalta DO, Chile — medium crimson with aromas of ripe blackberries, cedar, dusty earth, and red plums abound in this wine.
Dark berries and plums are layered together with earthy and cedar aromas to create a layered taste combination. Tennis and acidity remain on the palate after the wine has been let to breathe for many hours. It has a 14.5% alcohol content. Typical Retail Price (SRP): $24.95.
A wonderful combination of texture, taste and juicy acidity characterizes this Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s refreshing and simple to drink, yet it’s also sophisticated. Vineyards are certified organic and biodynamic and the mix consists of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc. There is also 5% Carménère in the blend.
Nature-based with minimum intervention is how Lapostolle describes his winemaking philosophy. It was done in stainless steel using local yeast to ferment the food. The wood used for the aging process was French oak, with 17 percent of it being new.
Instead of grilling, serve this beauty with braised short ribs and polenta if you don’t want to heat up the kitchen. As an alternative to grilled rib eye, it will be fantastic.
Spain’s DO La Mancha produced the 2018 Volver Tempranillo.
Spain’s 2018 Volver Tempranillo, La Mancha DO (District of La Mancha) is a dark ruby-colored wine with flavors of plums, blackberries, and coffee. Blackberries, cherries, dried tobacco leaf, and cedar are the flavors that come together in this blend of ingredients.
A medium body with juicy acidity and gauzy tannins is present. alcohol by volume (15%) 16 dollars in suggested retail price
It is a single-vineyard bottling drawn from a vineyard established in 1957 at a high elevation in the Santa Cruz Mountains. We cultivate our Tempranillo grapes naturally and do not use irrigation on our vineyards.
Generally, the soil is sandy with limestone and red clay as minor constituents. A period of 15 months was spent aging the wood in fresh French oak.
A vineyard of this age, fighting in the hot, dry circumstances of La Mancha, is very remarkable, and I am grateful for this opportunity. Grilled lamb chops seasoned with marjoram are an excellent pairing with this pleasant wine.
Gratitude is extended to Winebow, which imports all of these wines into the United States, as well as to Jarvis Communications, who coordinated our tasting.
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