With the colder months behind us, it’s time to start pivoting away from the warm, dense wines in our collection, and start looking at the lighter, more refreshing options! These are our top wine recommendations for the summer months.
Rosé:
A classic summer favorite, most rosés delight the palate with notes of strawberries, rose oil, and citrus peel. Given that any red grape can be used in the winemaking process, rosés have a wide breadth of expression. Whether the pink drink is dense and flavorful, or light and delicate, the versatility makes rosé the perfect choice for any picnic.
What We Offer:
https://goldmedalwineclub.com/products/diablo-paso-2021-rose
Pinot Noir:
If you’re looking for a summer red, look no further. Pinot noirs are bright, juicy, with ample acidity for the warm summer months. Its light body won't overwhelm the palate, making pinot noir a great option for an everyday summer red.
What We Offer:
https://goldmedalwineclub.com/products/bucher-2019-pinot-noir-rrv
https://goldmedalwineclub.com/products/comartin-cellars-2020-pinot-noir-r-bar-r-ranch
Zinfandel:
Though this might seem counterintuitive--as zinfandel is usually fuller-bodied--the jammy, overripe berry flavors pair well with barbecue sauce and would be a welcome addition to any cookout or campfire!
What We Offer:
https://goldmedalwineclub.com/products/707-zinfandel-2019-limited-dry-creek
https://goldmedalwineclub.com/products/clay-shanon-2020-zinfandel-junior
Grenache:
A cross between the benefits of pinot and zinfandel, grenache has all the bright berry fruit of pinot noir, while maintaining the fuller body of a zinfandel. A top choice to pair with a hearty dinner.
What We Offer:
https://goldmedalwineclub.com/products/labarge-2018-grenache
https://goldmedalwineclub.com/products/babcock-2020-born-ready-grenache
Sangiovese:
Another summer option for dinnertime! Not quite as heavy as a cabernet sauvignon, sangiovese has all the flavorful complexity you could want. If you're looking for a little less fruit, and a little more earth and herbs, sangiovese is the way to go. Typical aromas for sangiovese include cigar box, sour cherries, button mushrooms, italian herbs, and coffee bean.
What We Offer:
https://goldmedalwineclub.com/products/odonata-2019-sangiovese
Unoaked Chardonnay:
Since white wine is usually the clear choice in the summer, we saved them for last! Unoaked chardonnays definitely impart that racy, crisp, mineral freshness that’s craved in the summer. Depending on the producer and region, there are some chardonnays that can be extremely linear. When the vanilla/buttery flavors aren’t at the forefront, chardonnay can impart notes of green apple, lemon, pineapple, and minerality.
What We Offer:
https://goldmedalwineclub.com/products/ex-wines-2019-chardonnay-monterey
Sauvignon Blanc:
A classic choice for a hot summer day, sauvignon blanc gives off notes of lemongrass and grapefruit, with acidity and freshness that can keep you lounging by the pool all day. Sauvignon blanc is well known for its light body and high acidity, making it a top-tier choice this summer (and every summer to come!).
Champagne:
A pretty obvious choice, but one that shouldn’t be overlooked! Great on its own, or to enhance any number of spritzer cocktails. Champagne can impart flavors such as cream, almonds, and toast, as well as the crisp lemon and green apple notes. Pair with potato chips, fruit, refreshing salads, or just about anything you can think of.
What We Offer:
https://goldmedalwineclub.com/products/vincent-dastree-nv-premier-cru-brut-champagne