On the Wine Side - The Perfect Wines for May

Fri, May 02, 25

It's May, it's May...hooray it's May! What better way to start the month than with a poem? I found this one:

The First of May
by Annette Wynne

If I could stay up late no doubt
I'd catch the buds just bursting out;
And up from every hidden root
Would jump a tiny slender shoot;
I wonder how seeds learn the way,
They always know the very day--
The pretty, happy first of May;
If I could stay up then, no doubt
I'd catch the buds just bursting out.

What better wines to welcome in this beautiful month than some fresh roses, bright whites, and juicy reds? Whenever I have a rose I'm reminded of how food-friendly the wine is. A nice, dry rose can pair well with anything from chips and dip to fajitas to stew. The color of the wine in a glass is something that just makes me smile, too.

The Bonterra Rose is one that came into the store just recently to join the other selections from Bonterra. Bonterra Organic Estates is America's #1 Organic Winery and the largest Regenerative Organic Certified Winery. They're based in Mendocino County in California. The Rose is a blend of Grenache and Syrah. The wine pops with fresh red fruit notes of strawberry and cherry, but it finishes nice and dry and crisp.

Another favorite of mine is the Sabine Bieler Pere et Fils. It's made by a winery in the heart of Provence that takes its roses very seriously. On their website you can learn all about how the grapes are grown, when and how they were harvested, the processes used to produce what for them is the finest expression of the grapes in a rose. Do it while you enjoy a glass of this wine if its helps you appreciate it that much more. The primary graphes are Grenache and Syrah, but many others go into the final wine, too. It's a doozy. Seductive red fruit notes balanced with a bright acidity and a lovely, lingering finish. Oh to be seaside in the south of France enjoying this wine with a plate of huitres (oysters).

Two recent wine education classes took our palates to the south of Italy to try some wines. A very popular favorite was the Aragosta Vermentino from Sardinia. With a bright red shrimp on the label, the wine says "celebrate summer." Vermentino is an ancient grape of Sardinia that is characteristically fruity and floral on the nose with nice green apple notes on the palate. There's a refreshing salinity to it, as well. It's very affordable, very food friendly, and a nice change from a standard Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio when you want to serve something fresh and pleasing to many.

Speaking of Sauvignon Blanc, if you have a celebration in May that will feature shell fish and you want to go "big," consider the Duckhorn and/or the Rombauer. Both are from California. The 2023 Duckhorn, from the North Coast, scored 91 Points from Wine Enthusiast. The reviewer said, "This wine is vibrant, with aromas of Meyer lemon, green papaya and lemongrass on the nose. The flavors on the palate are white nectarine, orange sherbet and allspice, intertwined with pink grapefruit zest, mineral and a dry finish. Pair with Fritto Misto." The Rombauer is made with grapes growth in Napa and Sonoma Counties. It's also highly rated, getting 91 Points from Wine Spectator. The wine has concentrated aromas of passion fruit and melon with hints of cut grass. On the palate, those flavors are joined by notes of kiwi and key lime.

For a juicy red or two, my choices for May are on the lighter side. One of them is the Tenuta Rapitala Alto Reale Nero D'Avola. It's a mouthful any way you approach it. Made with organic grapes grown in southern Sicily, this is 100% Nero D'Avola, which translates to "the black from Avola" because of its dark skin. The wine is jammy and spicy at the same time. Big enough to pair with beef, light enough to complement salads. Another winner for May evenings is the Pinot Noir from America's Oldest Winery and a Hudson Valley treasure, Brotherhood Winery. The Pinot is made from grapes grown in various locations in the Hudson Valley and crafted to retain the bright raspberry notes and complex acidity characteristic of Pinots from Burgundy in France.

Happy Kentucky Derby! Happy Mother's Day! Wherever May takes you, we on the wine side at Exit 9 are here to help you choose just the right bottles for your celebrations. Cheers!

By Dominique De Vito