Which, of course, is fine with the Wine Curmudgeon, since I believe that everyone should drink what they want, and rules be damned. But, if you don’t mind a suggestion, live dangerously. Try something lighter and, dare I say, more pleasurable – a porch wine, even. Because the only thing I ask is that wine drinkers be willing to try something different.
Which leads to these suggestion, after the jump:
• Mark West Pinot Noir 2011 ($10, sample, 13.8%): The wine that launched what will soon be a 1-million case brand. Soft, with red fruit, and very professionally made. That it doesn’t really taste like pinot is only a minor inconvenience.
• El Coto Rosado 2012 ($11, sample, 13%): This Spanish wine from one of my favorite producers is surprisingly New World in style, with lots of ripe cherry fruit. Still bone dry, but not the arid, desert-like Spanish rose of past vintages.
• Availability may be problematic, but Chateau Unang Ventoux 2009 ($15, sample, 13%) is well worth looking for. It’s a dark, peppery, earthy red Rhone blend that combines the best of traditional French style with modern winemaking. One of the best wines, at any price, I have tasted this year.
• Pepi Pinot Grigio 2012 ($9, sample, 12.5%) is a refreshing California white with big dollops of pear and melon and a reasonably mineral-like finish. Not as clean or elegant as some New World pinot gris or Italian pinot grigio, but still delivers plenty of value.
More about Fourth of July wine:
• Fourth of July wine 2012
• Fourth of July wine 2011
• Fourth of July wine 2010
• Wine of the week: J Winery Pinot Gris 2012
• Wine of the week: Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut NV
That El Coto is a quenching delight, for sure. I'd love to put my hands on some of that Chateau Unang, but it's not available in this market - drats! Oh, and thanks for the plug on the previous piece. I've already had one of your readers drop by to debate the merits of Soave...
Happy 4th, Jeff!
Posted by: Steve | July 03, 2013 at 11:04 AM