It is time for a little something different. As with the change of season, comes our change in mood. We are feeling a bit lighter these days. We find a little more inspiration and beauty in our days, even in our daily routines. It is time for breezy shorts and sandals, summer dresses with bare shoulders to be kissed by the sun. The new weather and summer brings a lot of firsts. The first warm early morning run with fresh rays of the sun. The first lazy afternoon out at the playground with the kids. The first Saturday brunch out on the patio. It is time to socialize, get outside and enjoy nature without the need for a raincoat or sweater.
We would like to invite you to enjoy the new season and throughout. We will have many pieces on seasonal sippers and suggested summer foods to pair them with. There will be simple recipes you can make to enjoy yourself at home or with company. We have some great ideas and interests to share with you and we will start here...
So dust off the barbecue, be sure to put charcoal on the next grocery list along with a crisp white wine or bubbly to start with, a rose for the appetizers and a bold, fruity red wine for the barbecue fare. Chill the bubbles and allow for the lounge chairs to warm in the sun before your company arrives. What are your plans this weekend? What will you be drinking?
In the case that this weekend or many others to come include company on the patio or backyard, it might be a good idea to refresh your wine collection. We all have that point in the year as summer approaches when we have finished off our last few bottles of white wine from last season. Gone are the reds which comforted us during the cooler months. What wines might one enjoy for summer 2016? If you might need a shopping list, see if your local wine merchant might carry these wines for your summer selection.
Bubbly
2015 Scar of the Sea Chardonnay, Petillant Naturel, Shandon, Central Coast, California
NV Casas del Mar Blanc de Blanc, Cava, Spain
NV Nicolas Feuillatte Brut, Champagne, France
2014 Broc Sparkling Rose of Cabernet Franc, Santa Barbara, California
NV Ariola Lambrusco Amabile, Calicella, Italy
South Hill Bluegrass Russet Cider, Finger Lakes, New York
Mouth-watering Whites
2014 Domaine Paul Buisse Touraine (Sauvignon blanc), Loire, France
2014 Jean Marc Barthez, Bordeaux Blanc, France
2015 Karine Lauverjat, Sancerre, France
2015 Babich Sauvignon blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand
2013 Alta Maria Vineyards, Chardonnay, Santa Maria Valley, California
2012 Scribe Estate, Chardonnay, Sonoma, California
2014 Chateau de Beru, Chablis, France
2012 Fel Chardonnay, Anderson Valley, California
2014 Vera Vinho Verde, Portugal
2013 Estelle Sauvion Muscadet, Sevre-et-Maine, Loire, France
2014 Ryme Vermentino “Hers”, Carneros, California
2014 Zios Albarino, Rias Biaxas, Spain
2013 Calera Viognier, Central Coast, California
Luscious Rose
2015 Saint Roch les Vignes, Provence, France
2015 Mas des Cabres. 'Estive', Languedoc-Roussillon, France
2015 Matthiasson, Napa Valley, California
2014 Bodegas Ostatu, Rioja Rosado, Rioja, Spain
Pinot Noir
2012 Alta Maria Vineyards, Santa Maria Valley, California
2009 Amalie Robert Uncarved Block, Willamette Valley, Oregon
2013 Truchard, Carneros, Napa Valley, California
2014 Cloud No. 9, Marlborough, New Zealand
2014 Failla, Keefer Ranch, Russian River Valley, California
Barbecue Reds
2014 Seghesio Zinfandel, Sonoma County, California
2015 Alfredo Roca, Malbec, Argentina
2014 Predator, Old Vine Zinfandel, Lodi, California
2013 Cascina Bruciata Langhe, Nebbiolo, Piedmont, Italy
2014 Tami, Nero d'Avola, Sicily, Italy
2014 Les Amies Chanteuses, Cotes du Rhone, France
2011 Ampelos Syrache, Santa Barbara, California
2013 Flor de Pingus, Ribera del Duero, Spain
2014 Arnot-Roberts, Syrah, Que Vineyard, Sonoma Coast, California
2014 Piping Shrike, Shiraz, Barossa Valley, Australia
2013 Nalle, Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma, California
2012 Lapostolle, Carmenere Cuvee, Alexandre Apalta Vineyard, Colchagua Valley, Chile
2013 Schola Sarmenti, Negroamaro, Roccamora, Puglia, Italy
2014 Vina Herminia, Rioja, Spain