By Lou Phillips ·
Wine crew member Vanessa Von Twistern enjoying a summer favorite.
[blockquote3]“Red wine on warm days? You bet. We’re talking Beaujolais … the zingy raspberry-strawberry elixir that comes from quality Gamay grapes.”[/blockquote3]
A recent trip to the beach had the Good Times Wine Crew firing up the barbecue, throwing Frisbees and ruminating over just what makes a great summer sipper aka a GSS. So bursting with liquid muse, we decided to specify what qualifies as a GSS and pass on some of our favorites. By the way, a good rule of thumb is to always get the youngest vintage available of these selections.
Summer wine rules
- A GSS must be refreshingly light on its feet, not just because it’s hot out, but also because whether visitor or local, Lake of the Sky people are likely to be active in summer and the vino should add energy to the festivities.
- It must take to a chill, therefore only wines that are better at cooler temperatures, whether white or red, make the grade.
- GSSs must also be available for less than a sawbuck, aka $10, because we know that when you are doing the Carpe Diem thing you often make new friends, which leads to sharing, which in turn requires affordable juice.
- Because we want to spend our sunny days at play, and not searching for wines, our selections have to be widely available.
- And it’s gotta be delicious, because what good are crisp, light and value-priced vinos if they’re not yummy?
The summer list
Depending on climate, grape clone and winemaking technique, Sauvignon Blanc runs the gamut from dry and crisp, to round and rich. We’re clearly on the hunt for the former and a sure bet is the lip-smacker from Mason Winery called Pomelo. Pomelos are large grapefruits originally from China, and this wine lives up to the name delivering a beam of energetic grapefruit and sweet grass flavors.
Also on the wine list at value-beach is Pinot Gris from Oregon. King Estate is one of the original Oregon pioneers and their Pinot Gris brings spicy pear and peach loveliness balanced on a smooth body. The kind of wine that invites you back for another sip.
From Argentina’s Alamos Winery comes a bright Torrontes with notes of green apple, white flower and zingy lemon. Try a squeeze of fresh lime in this for a true wine cooler.
Red wine on warm days? You bet. We’re talking Beaujolais, but not the bubble gum, Nouveau-type, rather the zingy raspberry-strawberry elixir that comes from quality Gamay grapes. How Louis Jadot makes this jewel in France and gets it across the pond at this price is one of wine’s great mysteries. For maximum summer pleasure, chill this almost like a white wine.
These wines are available everywhere, so grab a bundle of bottles, chill ’em up, make some summer wine memories, and don’t be surprised if you make some new BFFs.
Lou Phillips is a Level 3 Advanced Sommelier and his consulting business WineProwest.com assists in the selling, buying and managing wine collections. He may be reached at (775) 544-3435 or lou@wineprowest.com. Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com for more wine columns.
