What wines to enjoy for summer?

Welcome to bottle2glass a blog about what I love......Wine!

Now that we are well into summer and the heat is on!  Here is a list of varities that suit that summer heat. Plus a list of some wines I have enjoyed.

It is never too late to plan what wines you would like to enjoy when chilling out in the backyard or sharing a bottle or two with friends. I myself like to explore different varities but prefer the lighter wines when I am relaxing with a good book on my deck and something a little heavier for that backyard barbecue.

Here is a list of grape varieties to try too cool you down during those hot summer afternoons/evenings.

• Prosecco makes a great summer drink. It is light, dry, and affordable. To get the most enjoyment from this wine serve it chilled to bring out the best of its light crisp fresh flavours.
• Muscat is a versatile white wine which is grown around the world. Light, dry and low-alcohol and sweet. Great chilled!
• Rose is finally making a come back! Rose can be both still or sparkling and can range from dry to sweet. 
• Chenin Blanc a refreshing wine from South Africa
• Pinot Noir with aromas of strawberry and cherry what else says summer!
• Zinfandel screams invite me to your barbecue. This robust red pairs well with everything from grilled vegtables to a cowboy steak.
• Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc my go to wines for the summer.
• Tempranillo (Rioja) from Spain is light, refreshing and fruity. Try if chilled or mix it up in sangria's. 
•  Here are some Rioja's to try: Joven (young with little oak aging),  Crianza (aged for 2 years with at least 6 months in oak) or Reserva (aged for a minim of 3 years before release, of which one year must be in cask) 

Here is a list of wines I enjoyed sitting on the patio or at one of the many barbecues this summer.

Bisol Crede Brut Prosecco Di Valdobbiadene Superiore, DOCG
Visiting Family in Ontario we tried this prosecco which was very good. Aroma's of lemon, and green apple; Palate - was crisp, with a hint of bread, green apple and a great finish. If you can find this bottle give it a try. Enjoy it well chilled!

Hess Select Chardonnay

This was a good wine with a great price!  This wine had aroma's of citrus (lemon/lime), tropical fruit; Palate - lemon, tropical fruit, and medium body with great acidity. We enjoyed this wine with Barbecued salmon or you can enjoy on it's own. You will most likely find this wine in  your local BC Liqour Store  

Moscato - Woodridge by Robert Modavi - 2012
If you enjoy sweet wine then this is the one for you! Aroma - honey, sweet red apple, fresh flowers and orange zest; Palate - sweet juicy peach, honey with medium acidity. Serve this wine well chilled; can be enjoyed before dinner or with dessert.

El Paso - Monastrell 2010

A great priced wine from Spain that was very good. Aroma - Red fruit, blueberry and spice; Palate - spice with red fruit and a hint of earth, with a nice smooth finish. A good choice for a barbecue wine.
I found this wine at Marquis Wines which I had to buy. This will make a great everyday go to wine even after Barbecue season is over.

Duckitt Cabernet/Merlot
In one word AWESOME! One of the best wines I have tried from South Africa.  This wine is a blend of Cabernet (24%) and Merlot (76%). Nose - Black Fruit, plum, oak, chocolate; Palate - dark red fruit, forest floor with great acidity and a long finish. This wine was part of my monthly Marquis Wine Club package. I know I will be buying it again if I can find it. This made a great Barbecue wine.

Hope you enjoyed this post and please leave me a comment!

Ciao for now!!