On the Wine Side - Soaking Up the Last of Summer Thu, Aug 28, 25 Yes, fall is imminent. Yes, it’s a favorite time of year for so many. Yes, I understand. But it is not my favorite time of year. I like summer! I want to go back to June and do it all over again. Long days, hot sun, fireflies, outdoor concerts. It’s not over yet, so I say, Soak It Up! There are lots of ways to do that On the Wine Side. The Weis Vineyards Grϋner was just awarded Best White Wine in New York at the NYS Wine Classic. Open a bottle alongside one from Austria, like the Durnberg Grϋner Veltliner – or put two Finger Lakes Grϋners in a side-by-side tasting, like the classic from Dr. Konstantin Frank. Get to know Grϋner. It pairs perfectly with any kind of fish, chicken, salad, cheese plate, even a turkey sub on a Tuesday. Don’t let summer slip away without indulging in a bottle of aptly named Summer Water. It’s an “Editor’s Choice” from Wine Enthusiast, and this California wine is as pretty on the palate as it is in the glass. Rosés are fun to take on picnics, whether they’re on the beach or in your backyard. We have a great selection of them here, from all over the world, so don’t be shy about asking for recommendations. I’m smitten with Loire Valley whites these days. They have a mellowness paired with complexity that makes them aussi bon, and the closer you get to the Atlantic Coast, the more notes of salinity you’ll notice. The Domaine Bouduet Muscadet de Sevres et Maines (made with Melon de Bourgogne) is from an area closest to the Atlantic. Bone dry and aged on the lees to add some yeasty notes, drinking it can put you seaside even if you’re miles inland. Farthest along the Loire is the tiny region of Sancerre, where Sauvignon Blanc reigns, and if you want to treat yourself to a beautiful bottle of the Isla Jeanne Sancerre, consider making it the centerpiece of a feast of oysters or lobster or crab (or all three!). It sings with notes of citrus, but also white peach and a lovely flintiness. Summery reds? Irresistible with barbeque. Consider a Garnacha from Spain, where sun-soaked is the norm. One with a fun label is the La Maldita from Rioja. It’s a juicy wine with bright red berry notes. If you want to go really big, try a Chilean Cab that came in recently – the Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon from Colchagua. It scored 94 Points from James Suckling, and it’s under $20. And it’s fantastic, with those lovely hints of everything from fig to tobacco to blackberry to pepper. Mas, por favor! And, ok, ok, if you want to serve a chilled red with grilled chicken or salmon, there’s the tried-and-true Beaujolais (the Nouveau is perfect for this), or a Pinot Noir, like the one from Granite Hill. They’re both lean and light and loaded with bright red fruit notes. Stick around Summer! By Dominique De Vito
