Like many of you, I am sure, I have found this summer to have been, long, sweltering and very wearisome. Fortunately, I have had a place of employment to go to everyday, cranking their air-conditioning instead of mine. On this last weekend of summer, I am really happy to say farewell to air conditioning, summer wines and basically everything to do with the dog days of
In a previous post, I alluded to the fact that I am a seasonal wine drinker, gravitating to the crisp whites and the many shades of rosé during the summertime. This year I have definitely had my fill and cannot wait to pop open my inaugural bottle of red, as the weather starts to cool down and we welcome the first days of fall.
Before we don the boots and comfy sweaters, let’s take a look back on some seasonal favorites:
White Bordeaux
Located in the southwest of France, Bordeaux is situated on the bend of the Garonne River and divided into two parts; the right bank to the East and the left bank to the West. Always a fan of Bordeaux, red and white, this summer I discovered this white gem. A blend of Semillon (70%) and Sauvignon Blanc (30%), this fresh wine is lemony and herbaceous, making it a perfect match for seafood, poultry and fish.
French Sauvignon Blanc
Situated in the central Loire Valley, Touraine is known for both red (Pinot Noir and Gamay) and white wines (Sauvignon Blanc). If anyone is looking for a Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre, which can sometimes be overpriced, I will usually recommend this wine as an alternate. Dry, citrusy, with a smooth mineral finish, this wine pairs well with any type of seafood or pork dish, as well as goat cheese.
New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
This classic white from the Marlborough region of New Zealand has contrasting characteristics from the Sauvignon Blancs of France. Located on the South Island, Marlborough is the largest wine region in New Zealand. The cool climate of the area produces a dry white wine that combines tropical and stone fruit flavors, with a hint of grassiness; I enjoyed this one as an aperitif! Nonetheless, Sauvignon Blancs from this area are a perfect match for seafood dishes or a delicately spiced Asian cuisine.
Spanish Rosé
I have noticed that people shy away from the darker shades of rosé, thinking the lighter, Provence-style wines are the best to drink. Of course this is untrue and this summer I tried this medium colored rosé from a region 40 miles south of Madrid called La Mancha. A well-balanced blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha, this dry wine has deep notes of cherries and strawberries on the nose, with a fresh long finish on the palate. This wine would go great with barbecue, grilled meats or a nice charcuterie plate. Please open up your mind and palate to all shades of rosé.
So let’s raise a glass, bid adieu to the final days of summer and all your favorite summertime wines!
Cin Cin!
Love these recommendation. Since it’s still fairly warm in the south, I’m going to check out your Spanish rose recommendation. Salud!
Thank you, Katherine! Yes, I was particularly impressed with the rose’.