Chill Out this Summer

June 2024
Written By: 
James Ginley
Photographs by: 
courtesy of the wineries

Light and Refreshing Wines to Stay Cool

Neyers Carneros District Chardonnay 2020
Napa Valley, California $35

Bruce and Barbara Neyers opened their winery in 1992, in the heart of Napa Valley, and this chard from the Carneros district stands out among their best. Whole-cluster grapes are pressed, not crushed, in French oak (25% new) barrels. The result is an aroma of toasty almond and ripe mango, plus a rich palate of chamomile, peaches, and notes of vanilla. A hint of oak lingers in the long finish. Pair with your favorite cheeses, fresh seafood, or roasted lemon chicken.

Prisoner Blindfold Blanc de Noir 2021
Napa Valley, California $30

Prisoner has excelled making big red wines, and now has introduced several popular whites, like Blindfold. A superb blend of white-pressed Pinot Noir grapes, with lesser amounts of Viognier and Gewürztraminer, display a pale salmon hue. These classic grapes come together for a lively and luscious blend full of fresh citrus, white flower, and peaches with a hint of cranberry. On hot days, it’s perfect for summer oysters or cold shrimp.

Woffler Estate Summer in a Bottle White 2022
Long Island, New York $27

Said to “evoke the style and spirit of summer in the Hamptons,” this
combination of Chardonnay and lesser amounts of Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Blanc add up to a complex, fruit-driven, spritzy ‘Summer in a Bottle’! Tasting notes show bits of spice, white peach and orange rind, with bright acidity, fine minerality, and a savory finish. Serve with shellfish, sushi or chicken with a creamy sauce.

Chateau d’Aqueria Tavel Rosé 2021
Rhone Valley, France $21

Six varieties of local grapes are handpicked from their own vineyards to craft this tart and crisp rosé. The maceration process extracts the
intense ruby color which includes no contact with oak and gives it a medium body. The elegant mouthfeel brings notes of pomegranate, raspberries, strawberries and bits of spice. Balanced and fresh throughout, it’s easy to pair with red snapper, monkfish, scallops and even grilled lamb.

Kim Crawford Prosecco Extra Dry N/V
Prosecco, Italy $19

A well-known producer of popular wines, Kim Crawford was established
in New Zealand in 1996 and continues to produce fruit-driven wines that are well balanced with bright acidity. Using this concept, they now produce several different types in Italy. This prosecco offers hints of citrus, pear and tropical fruit, with a bubbly mousse lingering to the finish. Enjoy as an aperitif, or with mature cheeses, shellfish and seafood. An easy way to take the heat this summer!

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