4 Superb Summer Wines

Author: M StefanAs the season changes to summer (dry), I like to change up my wine repertoire to include something pink.  No, not that sweet, fruity, blush stuff.  The 4 wines reviewed below are serious, dry and full of complex flavors.  If you think you don’t like rose wine, give these a try.  You will be very pleasantly surprised.  Served chilled, versatile enough to go with a variety of foods or served alone.Juve y Camps Brut Rose’ Pinot Noir, Cava, $20.00 12% alc. Spain 

Produced from Pinot Noir grapes this sparkling wine is a pretty, deep pink, almost red color. On the nose there are both floral and berry fruit notes in perfect harmony with alluring cherry blossom and strawberry aromas and flavors. Broad on the palate with savory, spicy fruit, it will make a superb match for jamon Iberico and other charcuterie.  Long bottle aging – 3 years -has brought balance, length and weight while retaining freshness and vivacity.  What a wonderful bubbly!  HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

2013 Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc, $12.50, 13.5% alc. Chile


Good clarity with light straw color. Tropical aromas of melon, papaya and guava mingle with subtle floral and herbal notes. Fresh and juicy, with bright citrus notes of white grapefruit and balanced acidity.  Gets better as it warms a bit.  HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

2013 Chateau Saint-Benezet les caprices de Lola, $11.75, 13.5% alc. France
Medium pink color.  Full of berry, tropical fruit and earth flavors.  Rose petals, grapefruit and other complex stuff too.  Beautifully balanced and round.  HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

2013 Les Domaniers Selection Ott, $18.75, 13% alc.  France
The most celebrated of all rosés, Domaines Ott's pink wines are legendary. Stunning inside and out, the three Ott estate rosés are all the rage at the Cannes film festival (it's nearly the official wine of this starry event). Beautifully crafted, the affordable and delicious les Domaniers is a stunning pale pink, with subtle aromas of red fruit, and a touch of citrus. It's silky and supple with perfect acidity for porch sipping or summer suppers. Feel like a movie star on the Côte d'Azur, and pair with grilled fish, salad Niçoise, or fried chicken.  HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

M. Stefan has over 20 years experience in the wine trade and has traveled extensively throughout the wine producing regions of the world.  His column is a regular feature of La Playa Community.  He can be reached at mark@playacommunity.com and appreciates your comments.