It’s Wine O’Clock, Baby

For all the moms and dads out there enjoying summer, I’ve culled a great group of whites, sparkling for celebrations and roses that will accent the season with fresh clean flavors. There are some of the usual suspects on this list, but I also included a few that you might not be familiar with, as well as some great ideas for pairings.

Most of these wines you can find at Binny’s, Whole Foods or your local liquor store. But, we too (the folks at H2Vino) are here to help if you need aide in locating anything — or if you have general questions or comments, we welcome your feedback!

And now….Bottles Up!

Whites

For the whites, I’ve selected a few that have different citrus notes or a fresh component that will go superbly with spring and summer food.

Quintay Clava Sauvignon Blanc (Chile) about $12, with scents of fresh cut grass and more intense flavors of citrus and minerals – great with fish, chicken and goat cheese.

Churton Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand) about $17, with a restrained feel and light notes of citrus with a clean slate and mineral finish – fantastic with sushi or just sitting out on the porch/beach (H2Vino Favorite).

Pazo San Mauro Albarino (Spain) about $17, with scents of lemon zest, minerals and spring flowers with a hint of tropical aromas – this wine goes fantastic with anything that comes from the sea, think clams, oysters etc.

Beso de Vino Macabeo (Spain) about $10, with hints of lime, pineapple and mixed flowers – this wine is less acidic than Sauvignon Blanc but still very fresh and crisp.  Great with creamy, mild cheeses and fruit.

Gouguenheim Torrontes (Argentina) about $10, with a literal smell of summer and hints green jello – yep, I said it.  Fun, fresh and fruity, it is fantastic to just enjoy day into dusk.

Sparkling

Gran Sarao Cava (Spain) about $11, with light inklings of cranberry and lime and the Blanc has notes of citrus and minerals.  Both are fantastic alternatives to Champagne and complement all foods.

Roses

Domaine de Figueirasses Rose (France) (pronounced FEE GER RAS) about $11, with a not-too-sweet and just perfectly-peachy component to summer.  Serve it chilled and with anything you eat.

Mas De Gourgonnier Rose (France)(pronounced MA de GOR GONE YEA) about $16, with a more refined flavor. Again, try it with anything on the grill, like grilled veggies, pizza or burgers.

Lighter Reds

NQN Pinot Noir (Argentina, Patagonia) about $12, with a Pinot Noir feel that’s more delicate and destined for summer. It is fantastic with grilled meats and even fish because of its lighter flavors of fresh cherries.

Graziano Zinfindel (California) about $16, with great acidity and balance to perfectly suit anything “sweet or saucy” you might be grilling.

Enjoy the weather…and the wine!

Dave Thomas, Co-Founder, H2Vino