Woman on Wine

by Amy Reiley

Wine for Summer

Like most wine lovers, I drink differently in the summer than winter. And, frankly, I think I drink more in summer than in the cold months. So I’ve added a few extra wines to my recommendations, to spice up your summer menu with a little variety.

Astrolabe
2010 Pinot Gris
Marlborough, NZ

Nicely balanced, soft in the mouth, yet offering lovely lemon acid on the finish, it’sjust  the kind of wine for a romantic summer supper.

http://www.astrolabewines.co.nz/

Big House
2009 Cardinal Zin
California

A blend of Zin with a little Mourvedre, Carignane and Petite Sirah, this wine is much smoother and  lower in alcohol than many California Zinfandels. And with its newly lowered price, the wine is one of California’s best bargains in the $10 range.

http://www.bighousewines.com/

Blackbird
2010 Arriviste Rose
Napa Valley, CA

Sometimes in summer I crave a big rose and this is the Napa Valley equivalent of the South of France’s signature style. Full-bodied, creamy in the mouth, with a lingering fruit finish, it makes a satisfying mouthful on a hot, summer day. 

http://www.blackbirdvineyards.com/

Bodega San Roque de la Encina
2007 Monte Pinadillo Crianza
Ribera del Duero, Spain

Summer reds should be light and acidic, never serious, tannic or brooding. That’s why this little Spanish dancer is a go-to for inexpensive summer sipping.

http://www.bodegasanroquedelaencina.com/

Domaine LeFlaive
2008 Puligny-Montrachat 1er Cru Clavoillon
Burgundy, France

When you need a serious wine for summer, this elegant Chardonnay should fit the bill. It is mouthwateringly juicy with stone fruit and lime flavors, floral aromas, a silky texture and length. 

http://www.leflaive.fr/fr/

Praxis
2010 Viognier
Russian River Valley, CA

Any wine that smells like a walk through a field of wildflowers is on my summer wine drinking list. Deliciously austere, dry, and  crisp, it is a thirst-quenching glass of goodness.

Weingut Markus Huber
Hugo Sparkling Rose
Traisental, Austria

From one of Austria’s most promising, young winemakers comes one of the country’s most fun wines. This super-flirty bottle of bubbly is faintly sweet, food friendly and, at around $10, is one of the season’s best buys.

For more wine reviews, visit http://www.eatsomethingsexy.com/wordpress/wine-spirits/