Seasonal Sips: Best Wines for Summer
The Short List:
Napa Valley Essence Sauvignon Blanc
Skin-Fermented Sauvignon Blanc
Violetta Late Harvest Dessert Wine
One of the beautiful things about the wine community is the diversity of palates that comprise it. Work in a tasting room for a few months, and you’ll see that no two people will ever bring the same experience to the table when it comes to wines – some classify themselves as strict purveyors of reds, while others are adamant that they only enjoy white wines.
However, a great number of wine enjoyers find their taste buds swayed more by the seasons than any particular varietal. If you’re one of those who reaches for a red on cold winter nights, and relishes in a chilled white when things start heating up, read on; We’ve got some recommendations for a perfect, wine-infused summer.
Rosé
Let’s get the obvious one out of the way first. Can you really have a list of summertime wines without including Rosé? Not at Grgich Hills! Our take on Rosé is based on those crafted in the Provence region of Southern France. Both Provence and Napa have a similar Mediterranean climate that lends well to the creation of this style, with the boldness and strength that sets it apart from other pink wines.
We employ the saignée method, which begins as any typical red wine would, with skins and juice left to ferment in a stainless-steel tank. However, this contact is limited to five hours maximum- just enough time to allow a vibrant color to form, along with a small amount of tannic structure that balances perfectly with the mouthwatering acidity of the juice.
The flavors and aromas of our Miljenko’s Selection Rosé sing with the essence of summer. The scent of peaches, melons, and mint will scintillate your sense of smell upon even the slightest whiff. A vibrant and juicy mouthfeel will envelop your tongue as the first sip passes your lips, while the flavors of beloved summer fruits like apricot and strawberry will leave you unsatisfied with only a single taste. When served chilled, this is a perfect wine to enjoy with an assortment of cuisines, or all on its own as a refreshing addition to a day spent basking in the heat of the summer sun.
Sauvignon Blanc
Another staple taking its rightful place among the best summer wines is, of course, Sauvignon Blanc. Its propensity for chilling and the balance it strikes between acidity and softness makes it one of the first that comes to many minds when selecting a wine to beat the heat. Add to that the fact that it pairs well with almost any seafood- another hallmark of the summer season- and you’ll find it’s hard to go wrong when you uncork a Sauvignon Blanc from June to August.
Our Napa Valley Essence Sauvignon Blanc is a classic example of its type and is among the most highly lauded wines that we produce. The blocks of vines used in this production are hand-selected by our winemaker based on the uniqueness in the flavor of their grapes – those that best express the ’essence’ of what a great Sauvignon Blanc should be.
The flavors expressed in this wine will not disappoint those looking for that timeless Sauvignon Blanc experience. Refined aromas of lime and anise give way to a palate bursting with citrus and herbaceous notes, complemented by bright minerality and acidity.
This next suggestion, while still a Sauvignon Blanc, will likely please the palates of those more inclined toward the full-bodied reds, but may find them less palatable when temperatures rise. Our Skin-Fermented Sauvignon Blanc is created using techniques quite uncommon in white winemaking.
Ordinarily, Sauvignon Blanc grapes would be pressed to extract the juice, which is the only portion of the grape used in fermentation. For this production, the skins and seeds are left in contact with the juice for two weeks, imparting a bigger body and a greater tannic structure than would be found on most white wines. This is balanced with the naturally high acidity of Sauvignon Blanc to create a wine that takes the best of both white and red. If you seek a wine that will pair well with heavier summer fare – grilled meats, for instance – this wine is an ideal match.
Violetta Late Harvest Dessert Wine
At the end of a long summer day spent enjoying great food, weather, and company, sometimes all one needs is a little splash of sweetness to finish out the festivities. This is when our Violetta Late Harvest dessert wine is best poured. A veritable bomb of sweetness and acidity, fireworks of sugary flavors like honey, candied orange, and ripe fruits burst onto the palate with the first taste.
Like each wine preceding it on this list, Violetta is best served chilled, and can certainly be enjoyed as a treat all on its own. It will also pair excellently with your favorite summer dessert, whether that be a fruity confection like a tart or pie, or even plain vanilla ice cream. If you’re craving a more savory option to pair, look no further than a pungent, intense cheese; It will perfectly balance out Violetta’s tremendous sweetness in a delectable harmony.
