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 Dama del Rovere, 'Durli' Brut Metodo Classico - Veneto, Italy
Impressions: A unique sparkler featuring the rare Durella grape presents a pale lemon hue with fine, persistent bubbles. On the nose, it offers vibrant aromas of lemon zest, green apple, and a hint of brioche, underpinned by a subtle minerality. The palate is crisp and dry, driven by zesty acidity and flavors of tart citrus and green fruit, leading to a clean, refreshing, and lingering finish.
2024 La Scala, Ciro Bianco - Calabria, Italy
Impressions: Highlighting the indigenous Greco Bianco varietal, you are greeted with delicate aromas of white flowers, ripe stone fruits and sea breeze. The palate is dry, fresh, and balanced by a vibrant acidity that carries flavors of citrus, green apple, and sometimes a whisper of almond, leading to a crisp and salty finish.
2024 Division-Villages, 'La Frontiere' Sauvignon Blanc - Oregon/Washington, United States
Impressions: A Pacific Northwest expression of Sauvignon Blanc that perfectly captures the old world Loire Valley style. Bright aromas of grapefruit, lime zest, and green apple, are complemented by a distinctive flinty, wet stone minerality. A vibrant acidity introduces a lovely, mineral-driven texture that balances ripe citrus and slightly tropical notes on the finish.
2024 Mokoroa, Getariako Txakolina Rosé - Pais Vasco, Spain
Impressions: This indiginous Hondarrabi Beltza rosé opens with enticing aromas of wild strawberry, and tart cranberry, alongside hints of citrus zest and oyster shells. The palate is bracingly dry and refreshingly acidic, with crisp red fruit flavors, a subtle herbal nuance, and that characteristic prickle of effervescence, culminating in a clean, zesty, and highly refreshing finish perfect for summer sipping.
2021 Lovely Lilly, Pinot Noir - Baden, Germany
Impressions: For summertime Pinot Noir, Germany comes to mind for its light-bodied, easy-going yet complex nature. On the nose, a melange of red fruit notes are intertwined with subtle earthy notes, a hint of baking spice, and delicate floral undertones. The palate is medium-bodied with bright, refreshing acidity and a mineral-driven texture, showcasing crunchy red fruit flavors and a clean, persistent finish that makes it remarkably approachable and a crowd pleaser.
2017 Señorío de P. Peciña Crianza - Rioja, Spain
Impressions: We had to throw in a classic backyard barbecue wine, so here's this versatile Tempranillo. On the nose, inviting aromas of figs and goji berries linger over savory notes of worn leather, tobacco leaf, and delicate baking spices. The palate is dry and well-balanced, featuring smooth tannins and refreshing acidity that support flavors echoing the nose, culminating in a persistent, earthy, and elegantly structured finish.