This pandemic has taken so much from us. During this time, it’s helpful to hold on to some rituals and take this quieter time to reflect on and honor the sacrifices made by American service members. We should also consider the service of our frontline heroes during this current time.
If you’re still planning to barbeque, these wines pair well with hot dogs, chicken, beef burgers and those flag-colored fruit salads. (And please make sure you continue to follow social distancing protocols if you venture out to the parks or beaches.)
Bubbles:
Lini 910 Lambrusca Rosso: Introducing a bold, deep raspberry on a dry, bubbly finish. Aromas of red fruits, in particular blueberry and raspberry balanced with body, intensely flavorful with a slightly tannic finish.
Lini 910 Lambrusca Rose Alicia Lini: is the daughter and the brand ambassador, rather than the actual winemaker- more of a “Woman in Wine.” This rose is a pretty pink floral and full of cherry bubbles. There are intense aromas of cherry and red rose balanced with pleasant acidity and a lively freshness.
Whites:
Domaine de la Potine Sauvignon Blanc: Loire Valley wines are a great introduction to summer. A vibrant stunner filled with green apples & citrus. A fresh, vivacious mouthful of honeysuckle, green apples, and grapefruit peels. The aromatics exude elegance and the finish leaves hints of grass on the tongue. The perfect backyard wine.
Abellio Abariño: A hint of grapefruit and the salty air of a coastal breeze. Juicy pear and white peach at play with tight acidity makes this a refreshing summer white. Perfect if you’re looking for a white with just a little more body.
Rose:
Marc Plouzeau Rive Gauche Rose: This wine comes from the alluvial soils on the left bank of the Vienne river composed of sand and gravel. The crispness of the Cabernet Franc planted in these soils creates a fresh aromatic rosé. The palate is very rich but an elegant finish.
Pascal et Nicholas Reverdy Sancerre Rose: Planted on the soils of Sainte Gemme, a small village located in the heart of the Centre-Loire area, this deep and typical Pinot-noir “terroir” provides wide complexity and quality to this rosé. This is bright, pale colored wine with aromas of white currant, apricot and peach.
Reds:
Dos Minas Malbec: “Mina” is old school Argentine slang for “girl,” which has evolved to affectionately refer to women of any age. This project was created by two women, which is why it’s called “Dos Minas.” On the palate it is complex, drier, lighter, yet approachable, with some of the same fruit flavors, as well as a slight peppery note, all smoothed out but not covered up by the light touch of used oak.
Friend and Farmer Tempranillo: With roses, chocolate, velvety and smokey all in one bottle, this is a decadent BBQ wine. On the nose there’s cherry, plum, and graphite. The palate also features a medium body with beef jerky and a floral finish. Three brothers’ (Francisco, Javier, and Luis Parra) dream of celebrating their hometown of La Mancha through well-grown grapes.