As we roll into summer, our palettes shift from the rich, deep reds that we so favor in cooler months to the light, fun, and friendly whites and rosés of summer. This entry will focus on five of our favorites for sipping on the front porch (of our soon to be renovated 20’s bungalow – see our upcoming blog on this project). These wines hail from two continents and five countries and we consider all of these wines bargains at no more than $22 per bottle, with a couple coming in right at the $10 price point. Try these on your own or at your next gathering – we’re sure they’ll please almost any crowd.
Our first wine is a 2009 Portuguese number, Adega de Pegões. This is a choice wine for the price coming in at $9.99 per bottle at our local wine shop and we’ve seen it as reasonable as $8.99 on the web. It’s a blend of some unusual indigenous grapes including 70% Fernao Pires, 20% Moscatel, and 10% Arinto. For money, the wine is especially aromatic with some floral and citrus notes. On the palette, it is nicely balanced with some acid and a reasonable finish. Flavors include citrus and a continuation of the floral notes found in the nose. James also found melon and stone fruit on the palette, as well. Given its nice acidity, it pairs well with shellfish. James discovered this little gem and we keep a constant supply of it in our daily drinking rack. We recommend you do the same.
Adega de Pegoes
Our second recommendation, a recent addition to our list, is a Müller-Thurgau from Sokol Blosser. The varietal has little presence here in the US but is still the second most planted grape in Germany (as of 2006). We happened across this wine while in the Willamette Valley in May during a winery visit. The grapes are grown on the estate – visible from the tasting room – and the wine is produced in limited quantities with 300 cases for the 2009 vintage. The scent profile is dominated by floral notes – especially honeysuckle. A “just right” amount of acidity keeps the wine in balance and a bit of effervescence adds a even further refreshing quality. This is a wine that is quaffed easily and will appeal not only to the discerning wine drinker but also those that are new to the subject. We’re seriously considering another case before it’s too late.
Sokol Blosser
After writing the main body of the review, we did find another predominantly Müller-Thurgau from different Oregon producer, Montinore Estate, with the wine name of Borealis. This blend of Müller-Thurgau, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Riesling is pleasant, refreshing, and available locally at about $13 per bottle. While nice in many respects, it lacks finesse of the Sokol Blosser – that elusive prettiness found in the 100% Müller-Thurgau. However, definitely worth a try especially at the price, plus no shipping charges and limited quantity issues.
Next up is a beautiful (in all aspects) 2008 Tavel from Chateau de Segries. It is a blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Cinsault, 15% Clairette, 5% Syrah that works magic. In the glass, this wine has a dazzling vibrant red color, sitting somewhere between a ruby and garnet illuminated from within. Served too cold, the nose is elusive, but once temperature rises scents of raspberry and some mineral are evident. These continue on the palette complemented by flavors of cherry and the right amount of tart acidity. This wine works well on its own or has the chops to pair with food. If nothing else, buy a bottle of this to gawk at the color but keep in mind it’s more than just a pretty face.
The Beautiful Tavel
Fourth in our list is frizzante Austrian Pinot Noir rosé from Weingut Michlits. The winery is truly biodynamic and the wine is organic making its $17 price point quite a value. Michlits makes a smallish production of this each year and this is our second vintage of tasting bearing nice consistency between the two. Color is not as intense on this wine as it is with the Tavel. When pouring the wine it’s impossible not to notice the champagne-like amount of bubbles; however, these quickly subside. Nose consists of strawberry and even some watermelon. Flavors are consistent with the nose accompanied by a slight sweetness. Although, this vintage is a bit more crisp than the 2008. With its bubbles, sweetness, and balanced acidity this a perfect wine for those 90 degree southern afternoons and evenings.
The Austrian Firzzante
Finally, we come to a surprising $10 Cava that our local wine shop expert recommended. She loves her bubbly and was buying this initially as a mixer only because of its price point. Upon tasting it without any mixers, she became a big fan. This Cava is a Brut Reserve from Dibon. The wine is a blend of three varietals, Xarel-lo, Parellada and Macabeo. A creamy citrus nose emanates from the glass with a bit of a yeasty quality. The clean tart notes continue on the palette. Just because of it’s price, don’t relegate this bargain to mixers. It’s perfectly fine to sip on its own.
Dibon Cava
There you have an abbreviated list of wines we like to sip in the heat of summer on the porch. Since starting this list we’ve found some new selections we enjoy so it may require Porch Wines Part Deux.
Cheers!
Dean and James
