This world tour of wine includes wines that are particularly drinkable on their own or complement summer fare; if supplies allow—you’ll want more than one of these bottles to flavor your summer fun.
$25 Level
EITHER:
The Curator 2015
This complex blend of Chenin Blanc, Viognier and Chardonnay is from the Swartland region of South Africa’s wild West Coast. The traditional Loire Valley Chenin Blanc grape is the largest portion and backbone of this wine rounded out by a naturally slow-fermented Chardonnay ripe with peach and apricot aromas, and the crisp spicy apple bite of Viognier. This round, full blend will complement grilled chicken, vegetable rich pasta or your favorite mild aged cheese at sunset.
OR:
Castelmaure La Buvette
From Languedoc-Roussillon France, a 60% Grenache, 40% Carignan blend. This imminently drinkable wine’s rich purple color and intense aromas of strawberry and cassis are fresh and fruity in the mouth with silky smooth tannins. While this wine stands alone as a bright aperitif, it also pairs well with grilled meats and salads. So, basically, the wine you want almost every day this summer.
Both Levels
Confidential Reserve 2012
This balanced red blend of ten varietals from Portugal earned Wine Enthusiast Critics’ Choice 92 rating. At four years old, this round, ripe, berry rich-wine has a smooth, full mouth- feel and a lush wild berry nose. Wine critics predict this blend’s complexity, structure and burgeoning tannins and acidity will age into an even richer texture of solid wood and dark fruit combination in years to come, so this will be a fun wine to drink now and compare in a year or two after it’s aged.
$35 Level
Force of Nature Red Zinfandel 2013
This Californian wine from Rabble Wine Company Mossfire Ranch comes with the epitaph, “We cannot command nature except by obeying her,” and delivers with a strong terroir and mama nature boldness. Atypical for Paso Robles zinfandel, it encompasses spicy raspberries, floral lavender and lilac, and has a long finish of subtle vanilla oak. Its opulence has been described as “an engulfing mouth feel of velvet cherries, rhubarb, brittle chocolate and finely crushed peppercorn with an uplifting finish of layers of bright acidity dancing on fine lush tannin. Part Primitivo style, part California zinfandel, this is the progeny of a dusty Paso Robles farmer and a stunning Italian minx.” Intrigued? This Zin is jammy without heavy raisin fruitiness, is very food friendly and would be great at a barbeque featuring burgers or ribs.
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