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Summer Styles

 By: Michael Bray

 

Drink Rosé. Yes, the pink stuff and no, White Zinfandel does not count. Rosé is a dry wine, served chilled, and most commonly gets its color through skin contact in a process known as maceration. Rosé wine is made in just about every wine producing region in the World. Where should you begin? Anywhere, really. France, Italy… and if you’re feeling adventurous give Macedonia a try. In speaking with Adam Stromfeld of Joe Canals EHT, he said his hottest wine is La Croix Du Prieur Cotes de Provence 2015 at $16.99. If you’re someone who only drinks the “big 3:” Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay – ask your merchant or sommelier for a rosé with similar characteristics. While Rosé is certainly not a new trend, I am blown away with the quality and variety of wine being produced today.

 

Drink Muscadet. Pronounced moos-cah-day – it is a dry white wine from Loire Valley France on the central western coast. Key point to remember, “old world” wines are labeled by place, whereas “new world” wines refer to a grape variety. So in this case, Muscadet refers to the place, the “appellation,” whereas the grape variety is Melon de Bourgogne. Look for hints of apple, citrus and a kiss of their maritime influence (saltiness). Most commonly paired with seafood, its “Sur Lie” aging (a fancy wine term that makes a wine creamier, fuller and richer) allows it to pair beautifully with lighter chicken dishes, pastas and roasted vegetables too. A key producer I’ve grown to love is Domaine du Haut Bourg. The current vintage is 2014 and retails for $11.99 at Passion Vines EHT. Haut Bourg also serves as an excellent example of the age-ability of Muscadet. I recently spoke to Cookie Till, owner of Steve & Cookies in Margate, and she will have the 2005 vintage available by Haut Bourg on her list this summer.

 

Drink Vermentino: If you’re looking for alternatives to break out of your Pinot Grigio “wine rut,” try on Vermentino. Traditionally, this thin skinned grape thrives in Italy and the island of Sardinia. However, upon talking with Ryan Bray, GM of the Knife & Fork Inn in Atlantic City, he was quick to highlight a California wine called, Ryme Cellars Vermentino Hers Carneros. This is a husband and wife team who handcraft Italian varietals in California. The result is traditional Vermentino: refreshing acidity, beautiful floral aromatics, a touch of saline minerality and a stunning match with shellfish and antipasti. With only 258 cases produced, it will not last long.

 

With over 10,000 wine grape varieties in the world, I encourage you to venture out and Drink different this summer. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at, Michael@passionvines.com.

Cheers.

 

 

All sizes are 750mL unless otherwise noted.
Vintages, ratings and product packaging (images) are subject to change at any time.
All pricing and availability are subject to change.
Artwork does not necessarily represent items for sale.

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