With social distancing in place, the best way to relish the summer season is to find a wine that can transport you to an exotic, far-flung destination. Not every white or rosé can stand up to rising summer temperatures. This season, look for varietals with higher levels of natural acidity or enjoy lively wines with a slight sparkle. A great summer wine should be approachable and refreshing. So stock the fridge now with any of these warm weather sippers, and drink well while you stay safe and cool.
Rosé
Sophisticated and dry styles from Southern France are the pinnacle for quality, but standouts are made around the world.
2018 Esprit Rebelle Coteaux Varois de Provence Rosé ($6.99):
Summer water! A classically fresh Provence rosé at only $6.99 is unheard of! This mineral driven pink gem offers fresh aromas and flavors of strawberry, rosé petal, and watermelon.
2019 Apolloni Rosé of Pinot Noir ($19.99):
A classic Willamette Valley Pinot Noir Rosé with fresh and clean flavors. The fruit is picked early to retain racy acidity. It opens with complex aromatics of perfumed rosé petals. The palate is balanced with ripe strawberry fruit and lovely texture, A perfect pairing for a summer menu of fresh pastas, barbeque and savory cheese.
2019 L’Olivette Bandol Rosé ($22.99):
L’Olivette from the Mediterranean’s most serious rosé appellation, Bandol, is a bold blend of mostly Grenache, offering rich concentration. Fresh strawberry, hibiscus, and tangerine aromas burst out of the glass.
Riesling
The noble Riesling grape is full of complexity, mouth-watering acidity, and vivacious freshness. Discover the many styles of Riesling which range on the scale from honeyed tropical sweetness, to bone-cracking dryness. Dry Riesling is a wonderful choice in warm summer weather due to the light alcohol content and natural fruit flavors.
2018 WWE. Dr. Thanisch Riesling QBA ($24.99):
This Estate Riesling is sourced from the Thanisch family’s estate vineyards. The slate soils here provide freshness, purity and distinctive minerality. This is a stunning, fruity Riesling from one of Germany’s best producers. It is the perfect match for shrimp patties or hard shell crabs.
2019 Kilikanoon Killermans Run Riesling, Clare Valley, Australia ($19.99):
Spicy white pepper, citrus blossom, ripe pineapple, white cherries, and lemon rind show off on this outstanding Clare Valley expression.
2018 Schmitt & Carrer Riesling Grand Cru Hengst Organic ($19.99):
This bone dry style from one of the best vineyard sites in Alsace called Hengst, whose name means “stallion” because of the powerful wines it produces. Exotic tropical fruit aromas of pineapple and citrus, along with subtle spice. A perfect match with rich flavors like smoked fish.
Vinho Verde
There is nothing better suited to a summer afternoon than the light, fizzy, fresh white wine known as Vinho Verde from Portugal. The price is always affordable making Vinho Verde a casual, gilt-free choice.
2019 Sol Real Vinho Verde ($9.99):
Bright and citrusy with lots of natural acidity, offering apple and grapefruit aromas and flavors. A hint of green herbs on the finish adds complexity. Made with Arinto, Trajadura, and Loureiro grapes at only 9.5% alcohol, this wine is ideal for warm temperatures.
Sancerre – France’s Loire Valley is the home of a simple summertime classic. While some mass produced wines from the region can be a bit one dimensional, the best examples are extremely rewarding. Schneider’s selections are made by serious winemakers in small batches offering aromatic and complex flavors of lemon-lime citrus, melon, green herbs, and stony minerality with rich texture.
2018 Gitton Silex Les Belles Dames Sancerre ($32.99):
Produced from vines grown on silex soils of the 12-acre vineyard, Les Belles Dames, this Sauvignon Blanc truly expresses a sense of place. Flinty minerality, acidity, and tart citrus fruit. This thirst quenching Sancerre has a wonderfully rich texture.
Summer Reds –
While white wine and rosé are always the obvious choice, branch out with some juicy reds. Every red wine should be served at cellar temperature, easily achieved with about 10 minutes in the refrigerator. However, there are some wines that, in summer, could be chilled down even more and enjoyed with reckless abandon.
2018 Castel Sallegg Lago di Caldaro Scelto Classico Superiore Bischofsleiten Schiava ($19.99):
Schiava is an indigenous grape from Alto Adige in the Italian Alps. It is the local favorite for everyday drinking, as it is low in tannin, high in acid, loaded with red berry fruit, very food friendly, and just delicious!
2018 Bichot Chateau De Jarnioux Beaujolais ($14.99):
Delectable, fresh strawberry fruit and candy flavors. Pair with barbecue as the combination of chilled, light-bodied red wine with charred meat on the grill is one of the highlights of warm weather.
Visit Elyse Genderson at Schneider’s of Capitol Hill to discover wines you love.
