Ah, summer…blue skies, sunny days and warmer temps… and the time of year when I like to switch from sipping merlots and pinot noirs to cooler, lighter and crisper wines. This season you’ll find a variety of sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio and rosé wines to enjoy at your many wedding festivities — and all at incredibly affordable prices. Salud!
Rosés are the new “It” wine. I’ve never been a fan of most rosés as I find them too sweet and fruity, but after trying Saved “Magic Maker” Rosé ($15.99, savedwines.com), I’ve become a fan. This drier, crisper rosé from celebrity tattoo artist Scott Campbell is a perfect summer wine and a fave of A-listers like Jay Z, Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Aniston. The intricate label design created by Scott features special symbols and a coded message to his wife, actress Lake Bell. Now that’s sweet.
Nothing says summer more than this gorgeous Summer in a Bottle Rosé 2015 from Long Island, New York winery Wölffer ($24 per bottle, wolffer.com). The bottle itself, created as a homage to summer in the Hamptons, will dress up any garden-party celebration. And the wine’s pretty orange-tinged rose color perfectly evokes those beautiful Hamptons’ sunsets.
Another great rosé to try is Barrymore Rosé of Pinot Noir — yes, that Drew Barrymore — ($18, BarrymoreWines.com). This entrepreneurial actress’s refreshing California wine features citrus aromas with floral notes and hints of spice, red fruit flavors as well as peach and apricot.
I love the touching story behind another wedding-perfect wine, Together ($25), a sauvignon blanc from the Together Wine Co. Creator Matt Preuss opened his winery and dedicated it to his mom after she lost her battle with cancer. Matt and his mom often shared many good times and conversations over a bottle of wine so he and his wife, Ryan, created a wine that other families and friends could enjoy as they make their own special memories. Plus, a portion of the wine’s sales is donated to the YWCA to bring cancer awareness to young mothers. Kudos to Matt and Ryan!
From the noted Italian winery Antinori, you’re sure to love these well-priced vintages: the 2015 Santa Cristina Pinot Grigio ($12) and the 2015 Santa Cristina Cipresseto Rosato ($14). The pinot grigio has delicate aromas of orange flowers, bananas and tropical fruit and is perfect with light summer fare like lobster rolls, prosciutto and melon, and sushi. The Rosato has a light pink rose color with floral aromas and flavors of strawberry red currant. Try it with pizza, chicken, Pad Thai or tacos.
A trio of refreshing white and rosé wines hails from the Rioja region of Spain. The Marqués De Riscal Rueda Sauvignon Blanc 2015 ($11.99) boasts a high aromatic intensity with hints of grass and fruits like citrus, pineapple and melon.
The Marqués De Riscal Ruedo Verdejo 2014 ($10.99) has a brighter yellow color than the sauvignon blanc with aromas of tropical fruit and hints of fennel and floral.
And the crisp rosé Marqués De Riscal Rioja Rosado 2015 ($9.99) has an intense raspberry and strawberry fruit aroma with some floral hints. All three of these wines are ideal for your many summertime gatherings.
The clean, fresh aromas of lime and citrus found in Josh Cellars Sauvignon Blanc ($13.99) will surely entice you to enjoy this crisp, fruit-flavored wine again and again. Other aromatic scents include flower nectar, peach and tropical melon.
Have fun sampling all of these selections before and after your wedding, and enjoy a wonderful summer!
—Diane Forden
- kklein's blog
- Log in or register to post comments
