While we have our favorite summertime regions such as Muscadet, Mosel or Galicia, we thought it would be fun to go outside of the box (or in this case sipper pack) and present some often overlooked thirst quenching regions and varietals to get you through the beginning of the dog days of summer. Our selections are the perfect accompaniment to your next backyard barbecue, beach day, or just good old fashioned "me time" spent on your front porch.
Our 6 pack includes:
NV Domaine du Mouton Noir Vouvray Brut - Loire Valley, France
Impressions: We love a good Crémant and our go-to region for champagne-like bubbly is the Loire. Lovely notes of stone fruits, white flowers and brioche evolve from the glass. The fresh acidity carries forth an elegant mousse that glides towards a dry, refreshing and fruity finish.
2022 Leon Boesch Edelzwicker [1000ML] - Alsace, France
Impressions: 'Edelzwicker' are the traditional white wine blends of Alsace that serve as an introduction to the region's wines. This one displays a lovely floral, spicy and fruity bouquet upon opening. The palate is tense, with a nice interplay between its fresh acidity and it mineral-dense texture. The finish is dry, fruity and savory making this an incredibly diverse food pairing wine. Even better, this is a Liter!
2022 Simoneau Oiso Touraine Sauvignon Blanc - Loire Valley, France
Impressions: Sauvignon Blanc from the Touraine are normally not as interesting as this latest vintage from Oiso. Notes of passionfruit, grapefruit pith, lemongrass and wet stones compete for your attention. The palate is lean and mineral-driven with a crisp, herbal finish. This is the perfect wine to pair with grilled vegetables, and salads.
2023 Schloss Goebelsburg 'Cistercien' Rosé - Burgenland, Austria
Impressions: Hands down the most refreshing rosé we've tried this year, it opens with aromas of strawberries, watermelon skin, snap peas and a hint of dried herbs. The palate is fresh with a crisp minerality that leans into a dry, fruity finish with a touch of salinity. Goes down dangerously easy.
2021 Domaine Le Roc 'Folle Noire d'Ambat' Fronton - Southwest, France
Impressions: For those that like full-bodied red wine aromas without the heavy structure, this Negrette based wine is for you. Notes of blackberries, iron, black peppercorns, teriyaki and balsamic leap from the glass. The palate is light and silky with an earthy tannic touch that leads towards a dry, peppery and slightly smoky finish. An excellent wine to pair with grilled meats and sausages.
2013 La Antigua Clasico Crianza - Rioja, Spain
Impressions: This is perhaps the best quality to price ratio bottle we've ever carried. Notes of cassis, figs, blackberry compote, iron, maitakes and cinder greet from the glass. The palate is lush and silky with a light to medium bodied frame that sways towards a light velvety tannic touch. The finish is spicy, earthy and slightly smoky making this an ideal pairing for lamb, brisket or ribs.