Wines to Enjoy Outdoors
As we come to the end of this unusual summer, it’s hard to know what to expect for the fall. As for the weather, meteorologists are calling for continued temperatures above normal through October, which is great for the outdoor dining establishments and for those of us who enjoying grilling and eating outdoors.
Here are some wines that shouldn’t be missed before the end of the season, starting with the wines of Bishop’s Peak. These are handcrafted by Talley Vineyards to capture the varietal and regional diversity of San Luis Obispo County on California’s Central Coast. Talley Vineyards is a family-owned winery that started farming in 1948. Talley consistently makes beautiful, well-balanced wines with great attention to detail. Talley continues with its hallmark style in its Bishop’s Peak wines.
BISHOP’S PEAK CHARDONNAY – 100% Chardonnay made from grapes in the Arroyo Grande Valley and Edna Valley, it spends 6 months in neutral French oak and stainless steel. It has aromas of lemon, white peach and jasmine. On the palate are notes of lemon, quince and white flowers. It is very juicy, clean and fresh. Delightful!
BISHOP’S PEAK CABERNET SAUVIGNON – The grapes in this wine come from the southwest corner of Paso Robles. This is a soft, approachable wine, with flavors of black currants, cherry, a bit of pepper, and spice. There is a long finish and the wine has great balance, typical of all the Talley wines.
BISHOP’S PEAK PINOT NOIR – This is a soft Pinot Noir with flavors of strawberry, raspberry, cherry and spice. Like the other Bishop’s Peak wines, it is very approachable, has juicy fruit, a long finish and great balance. It is an outstanding Pinot Noir value.
Here are some other wines worthy of your consideration:
MAS DE GOURGONNIER ROSÉ (France) – This domaine is run by Luc and Lucienne Cartier, whose family has been farming and making wine for four decades. Their property is located in the Les Baux de Provence region of France. They practice biological farming methods, which forbid any use of chemical fertilizer, weed killer, or insecticide, and is certified organic. It has pretty flavors of strawberry, orange zest, and citrus. It has good juicy acidity and has more weight and complexity than most rosés. This wine is always a favorite, and the 2019 will not disappoint!
FOXGLOVE CHARDONNAY (Central Coast, California) – Foxglove Chardonnay is made by Jim and Bob Varner, known for their great Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Foxglove is aged in stainless steel with no oak, keeping it soft and easy, with bright acidity, and tropical notes. Always a great value.
YOUNT MILL HOUSE CABERNET SAUVIGNON (Napa Valley) – This is an amazing value for Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine has a deep dark color with flavor of blackberries and chocolate. It is very concentrated with fine tannins and has good balance.
ALBERT BICHOT BOURGOGNE COTE D’OR PINOT NOIR “SECRET DE FAMILLE” (Burgundy, France) – Albert Bichot represents the sixth generation of his family to manage this estate. His goal is to find good sources of fruit that represent the terroir of the area. This pretty wine has aromas of red and black berries, it is smooth, soft, silky, and well-balanced with delicious fruit. Pair this wine with grilled or roasted meat, poultry, and fish. Best served at approximately 60 degrees. Drink within 3 to 5 years.
SCHRAMSBERG MIRABELLE BRUT ROSÉ (North Coast, California) – This beautiful sparkler from Schramsberg Vineyards is a non-vintage wine made from a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. It is very balanced and refreshing, with flavors of strawberries and plums. It has great acidity and a long finish. Pair this wine with grilled salmon, fried chicken, barbecued pork ribs, and pasta dishes. Also a great value.
SHRAMSBERG MIRABELLE BRUT (North Coast, California) – Mirabelle Brut is a dry sparkling blend, made from hand-harvested bunches of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes from Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino counties. It is a crisp, elegant wine with notes of green apple and pear, honey, and caramel flavors. This wine can be paired with a wide variety of foods, such as oysters on the half shell, sushi, baked halibut and cream-based pasta.
Enjoy!
Please drink responsibly!
