Bridget’s Picks Summertime Favorites

For your convenience, these wines are located near the front registers in our Staff Picks sectionI hope you enjoy my selections this month.

Bridget’s (Good stuff for summer) Staff Picks

Cinzano Prosecco (Piedmont, Italy) – Nothing like a glass of bubbles to get the party started. For me, bubbles add lots of fun to any occasion. This wonderfully aromatic Prosecco is made from white Muscat grapes. With hints of peach and apple, this sparkler is perfect as an aperitif, but pairs well with appetizers and light entrees as well. Enjoy a bottle at your next picnic or brunch. ($13.99)

Broadbent Vinho Verde (Portugal) –I think Vinho Verde is a ‘must have’ at least once during the hot summer months. A low alcohol wine (only 9%) and made in Portugal, it’s a very refreshing wine that delights the palate with its “spritziness.” Perfect to bring on your next picnic. Not a complicated wine, but just a fun one to enjoy on a hot summer day. ($8.99)

New Age Rose (Mendoza, Argentina) – So here’s the deal… there is absolutely nothing complex about this wine and it’s not meant to be either. As our sales rep said, “forget everything you know about wine and just enjoy it.” This truly refreshing wine is also perfect for a hot summer day. A fifty/fifty blend of Malbec and Merlot, it has aromas of strawberries and wild raspberries. This is a slightly sweet ‘semi-sparkling’ wine. Serve it well-chilled as an aperitif or for something different, add a slice of orange, serve it over ice and enjoy it a fun summer cocktail.  ($11.99)

Taz Chardonnay – Santa Barbara, CA  - this Chardonnay is 100 % barrel fermented in French oak (19% new) It offers bright aromas and flavors of pineapple, tropical fruit, toasted coconut and lemon. The creaminess of this Chardonnay is balanced by its refreshing acidity. A perfect patio wine yet lovely at the dinner table as well. Enjoy with chicken, lighter pasta dishes and salads. ($14.99)

Raymond Field Blend  R Collection  (California) is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.  The wine opens with big, bold aromas of cherry, boysenberry and blackberry. After your first sip, you might detect hints of ripe plum and red currant. Definitely more medium-to-full bodied in style. I enjoyed this with a grilled steak, but having a glass on its own worked just fine as well. ($11.99)

San Silvestro Ottone Barbera (Piedmont, Italy) – Made from 100% Barbera, this bright ruby red wine bursts with aromas and flavors of ripe berries and cherry. Fermented in stainless steel, this wine is soft on the palate. Pair this delicious wine with cold meats/hot meats, pastas and salads… a STEAL at this price! ($9.99)

Weinert Carrascal  (Mendoza, Argentina) -  is a blend of Malbec (45%), Merlot (35%) and Cabernet (20%). This is a fruit-forward wine with aromas and flavors of ripe, dark red fruit, vanilla, a hint of pepper and oak from aging approx. 2 years in French casks) This is a versatile food wine… but probably best enjoyed with richer foods. Don’t miss out on this ‘palate and pocket-book friendly’ find from Argentina. ($9.99)

Branham Zinfandel Rockpile Vineyards (Sonoma, CA) - If you enjoy Zinfandel, you’ll want to try this one. It has aromas of ripe red raspberry with hints of pepper and vanilla bean. Although nicely concentrated with flavors of juicy blackberries and ripe raspberries, this is a nicely balanced wine. The finish is long and smooth.  A “must-have”wine for your next bbq. ($15.99)

Cru Vin Dogs Blue Heeler- (Barossa Valley, Australia) – Being a fan of Shiraz, Grenache, Mourvedre blends, this wine is definitely worth mentioning and hopefully you will find it worth trying as well.  Slight floral notes (think violets) with flavors of ripe plum, cherry, raspberry and spice… a juicy, soft, flavorful wine with fine tannins. Enjoy with grilled meats. ($17.99)

Something really unique and special about CruVin Dogs – they donate 10% of their proceeds to Morris Animal Foundation and Canine Companions for Independence.

Not only are you able to enjoy a fabulous bottle of wine, you’re supporting a great cause!

www.cruvindogs.com