Summer is my favorite season – socks are optional, impromptu road trips are encouraged, and it seems more socially acceptable to drink rose in the middle of the day.
Speaking of rose, this interesting little number caught my eye the other day when I was cheating on my wine shop at Planet Wine here in my ‘hood, Alexandria’s Del Ray. It’s an all-Syrah rose from Bulgaria! It had a little whiff of something smoky and earthy, but still did rose’s #1 job, which is to be refreshing and fun to drink.
The new vintage of Kellerei Kaltern’s Pinot Grigio is even better than the 2013, if that’s possible. While the ’13 was very fleshy and aromatic, almost as though there was Gewurztraminer thrown in the fermenter by accident, the 2014 has a little more verve and bright acidity.
One of my favorite roses this summer, Domaine du Tix, continues to shine, with its tart, sophisticated flavors of pink grapefruit and just-ripe strawberries. It’s the perfect bath wine. Or shower wine, if you’re in a hurry. What? Like you’ve never taken a glass of something into the bathroom while you’re getting ready to go out. Come on!
And finally, these two elegant whites show just how much influence soil and climate can have over even very different grapes. The Saint Bris is made from Sauvignon Blanc, but the chalky soil in this part of Chablis really knocks back the pungent, grassy character Sauv Blanc usually displays in this area. And while Aligote isn’t the most expressive grape, its texture and chalky finish keeps things interesting.
I can’t believe summer’s almost over – what are you tasting as summer winds down?
msdianemcmartin 
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