5 Sultry Summer Sippers to Beat the Heat

June 2020
Written By: 
James Ginley
Photographs by: 
courtesy of the wineries

These light and lively choices are perfect for the hot days ahead

(Left to right) Esprit Gassier Cotes de Provence Rosé, 2018; The Four Graces Pinot Blanc, 2018; Pieropan Soave Classico, 2018; Talbott Kali Hart Chardonnay, 2018; Gruet Brut N/V Albuquerque, NM, $14.

Esprit Gassier Cotes de Provence Rosé, 2018

Provence, France, $13

A unique blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and Vermentino, this bold Rosé shows intense fruit, richness and a bit of spice on the nose. Apricot, peach and pear flavors fill the mouth, taking you to a fruity and spritzy finish. Ideal to enjoy on a warm summer day! Earned 90 points from Wine Enthusiast.

The Four Graces Pinot Blanc, 2018

Willamette Valley, Oregon, $17

Pinot Blanc is a white mutation of the red Pinot Noir grape and is found in better wine shops. Beginning with aromas of peach and lemon zest, with more peach and pear flavors on the palate. Bright and brisk, mineral and citrus follow through to the lingering finish. Sustainably farmed, this wine earned a 90 point rating from Wine & Spirits Magazine.

Pieropan Soave Classico, 2018

Veneto, Italy, $19

A straw color and greenish hints lead to a delicate nose of peach and spicy citrus. The flavors burst forth with spritzy melon and more spicy citrus. There’s a creamy ripeness and bright acidity throughout, with lingering fruit and mineral notes in a pleasant, medium body wine. Earned a 92 point rating from James Suckling.

Talbott Kali Hart Chardonnay, 2018

Salinas, California, $18

Close to the Pacific in Carmel Valley, Talbott has produced award winning wines for more than three decades. This example is a fruit-forward Chardonnay, with vanilla prominent on the nose, then notes of melon, pineapple, pear and tangerine for a luscious palate. This wine earned 92 points from Wine Advocate this past February.

Gruet Brut N/V Albuquerque, NM, $14

In 1983, the Gruet family was traveling the Southwest and came upon some European winemakers. Gruet et Fils made fine Champagne in France, so they took a chance and bought some land and planted it with vines from their stock. The result is this blend of 75% Chardonnay and 25% Pinot Noir, with aromas of green apple and citrus notes. There is crisp acidity and a touch of yeast, making for a long finish. It drinks like a $30 bottle!

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