What makes a great summer wine? There is no precise definition, but one generally wants something a bit fresh and lively that refreshes the palate. Want to be more specific? We’ve picked five wines we think suit the bill this summer. Stop by on Saturday and choose your own definition.
2016 Stift Gottweig, Grüner Veltliner $14
The Stift Goettweig’s high elevation Grüner Veltliner vineyards in Kremstal (all facing slightly to the north) produces gorgeously precise wines with finesse and tension. The SGGV is animated in the nose, with notes of citrus fruits, red apples and rosewood, and on the palate fresh, fruity, and expressive with good length.
2016 Bodegas Cepa 21, Hito Ribera del Duero Rosado $15
Tempranillo
The word “HITO” means milestone, a stone post, sometimes carved, used to indicate direction or distance on roads or to delimit fields. This Rosato has great aromatic intensity with aromas of ripe red fruit (strawberry and gooseberries). The palate is full of juicy red fruit and citrus touches.
2016 Domaine Andre Neveu, Fricambault Sancerre Rosé $25
Pinot Noir
From one of our favorite Sancerre producers, this Pinot Rosé is very attractive with light & aromatic strawberry flavors & a bone dry finish. Wonderfully light and fruity, this delicious Sancerre rose is made from Pinot Noir grapes providing delicious aromas of fresh strawberries. Crisp and dry on the finish with classic Loire Valley minerality.
2015 Domaine Piron, Beaujolais Villages $18
Dominique Piron’s oldest known ancestor was born in Morgon in 1590. Since then, there have been 14 generations of wine growers in the family. Their Villages level Beaujolais has perfumed red-berry fruits and balanced acidity, it is a savory wine that is ripe and ready to drink.
2015 Domaine Olivier Hillaire Cotes du Rhone Vieille Vignes $18
60% Grenache, 40% Syrah
Domaine Olivier Hillaire is a small 23-acre estate. Olivier’s Old Vine Cotes Du Rhone is a blend of from vines located just across the Rhone River from Châteauneuf-Du-Pape. The wine has intense fruit mixed with spicy flavors, fine tannins, and a very beautiful aromatic persistence.
Madrona Wine Merchants offers free wine tastings featuring 4-5 selections on a theme every Saturday from 2 until the bottles run out and on Sunday we offer a mini-tasting of two wines all day from 11-5.