SUMMERTIME AND THE LIVIN' IS EASY.
by J.Ecochard
Between the airline bumps, economy, and currency weakness for USAers we get the feeling our vacations are sticking close to home…or at home.
One plus is the time to leisurely sample affordably priced and available -QUALITY summer wines.
Thanks to Julia Layman we share the 411 from three of the country’s top Sommeliers.
The Belvedere Restaurant at The Peninsula Beverly Hills David Jones, Sommelier
Bollinger “Special Cuvée” Non-vintage Champagne
Nicely chilled, this non-vintage champagne always works in the summer.
Mönchhof, "Estate", Kabinett, Riesling
From the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer region in Germany An off-dry German Riesling at only 7.5-8% alcohol by volume, this is a light and refreshing quaff, without the heat of a wine with 14.5% alcohol.
Rosé of Pinotage
Made by Delheim from Stellenbosch, South Africa, this wine has a little more body, but still chilled for summer. This is a dry Rosé with lovely strawberry notes.
Honig Late-Harvest Sauvignon Blanc
This honeyed wine is made by a family-owned winery. For a decadent finish to a light summer meal, this is an ice cold dessert wine from Rutherford in the heart of Napa Valley hits the spot.
The Lakehouse Restaurant at Calistoga Ranch (Napa Valley) Dave Elze, Sommelier
2007 Kosta-Browne Rosé of Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
Light and crisp (stainless steel fermentation) but with a soft creamy finish (neutral oak aging) this wine is perfect as an aperitif, with summer salads or just for something refreshing to drink. Rose petals, spice and a hint of raspberry.
2006 Haven’s Albarino, Carneros-Napa Valley
Floral nose with a little pear and lychee on the palette, this wine displays a mineral quality great with seafood!
2005 Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe “Telegramme” Chateauneuf du Pape
Mostly Grenache & Mourvedre, full of fresh berry and cherry with a ‘mineral-ly’ quality that doesn’t weigh down the palette, and pairs well with light summer foods and bar-b-que!
The River House Restaurant at The Inn at Palmetto Bluff Jason Carlen, Sommelier
Ceretto Arneis “Blange” Langhe-Alba ‘05
Fun summer white that will surely delight with notes of pear, apples, lemon rind, and a hint of almond. This is a great conversational wine with a stunning label.
Jermann Pinot Grigio Friuli ‘06
Ground breaking pinot grigio with soft, sweet fruit and beautiful aromatics. This is like no other pinot grigio.
Chateau Musar Rosé Lebanon ‘04
This wine will seduce with a rich, round palette of strawberry, cherry and chocolate.
HINT: For the Colorado bound, or for an April preview of a Rocky Mountain High- stop by the NYC ‘green’ gallery, co-hosted by Nikon at 317 Madison Avenue (near Grand Central Station). Unique freebies, digital pictures, and tourist information on healthy adventures (kayaking, hiking etc) that naturally take advantage of the state’s breathtaking landscape… and Colorado brewed beer…are all served up FREE!
Photos courtesy of respective restaurants and Colorado.com
by J.Ecochard
Between the airline bumps, economy, and currency weakness for USAers we get the feeling our vacations are sticking close to home…or at home.
One plus is the time to leisurely sample affordably priced and available -QUALITY summer wines.
Thanks to Julia Layman we share the 411 from three of the country’s top Sommeliers.
The Belvedere Restaurant at The Peninsula Beverly Hills David Jones, Sommelier
Bollinger “Special Cuvée” Non-vintage Champagne
Nicely chilled, this non-vintage champagne always works in the summer.
Mönchhof, "Estate", Kabinett, Riesling
From the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer region in Germany An off-dry German Riesling at only 7.5-8% alcohol by volume, this is a light and refreshing quaff, without the heat of a wine with 14.5% alcohol.
Rosé of Pinotage
Made by Delheim from Stellenbosch, South Africa, this wine has a little more body, but still chilled for summer. This is a dry Rosé with lovely strawberry notes.
Honig Late-Harvest Sauvignon Blanc
This honeyed wine is made by a family-owned winery. For a decadent finish to a light summer meal, this is an ice cold dessert wine from Rutherford in the heart of Napa Valley hits the spot.
The Lakehouse Restaurant at Calistoga Ranch (Napa Valley) Dave Elze, Sommelier
2007 Kosta-Browne Rosé of Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
Light and crisp (stainless steel fermentation) but with a soft creamy finish (neutral oak aging) this wine is perfect as an aperitif, with summer salads or just for something refreshing to drink. Rose petals, spice and a hint of raspberry.
2006 Haven’s Albarino, Carneros-Napa Valley
Floral nose with a little pear and lychee on the palette, this wine displays a mineral quality great with seafood!
2005 Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe “Telegramme” Chateauneuf du Pape
Mostly Grenache & Mourvedre, full of fresh berry and cherry with a ‘mineral-ly’ quality that doesn’t weigh down the palette, and pairs well with light summer foods and bar-b-que!
The River House Restaurant at The Inn at Palmetto Bluff Jason Carlen, Sommelier
Ceretto Arneis “Blange” Langhe-Alba ‘05
Fun summer white that will surely delight with notes of pear, apples, lemon rind, and a hint of almond. This is a great conversational wine with a stunning label.
Jermann Pinot Grigio Friuli ‘06
Ground breaking pinot grigio with soft, sweet fruit and beautiful aromatics. This is like no other pinot grigio.
Chateau Musar Rosé Lebanon ‘04
This wine will seduce with a rich, round palette of strawberry, cherry and chocolate.
HINT: For the Colorado bound, or for an April preview of a Rocky Mountain High- stop by the NYC ‘green’ gallery, co-hosted by Nikon at 317 Madison Avenue (near Grand Central Station). Unique freebies, digital pictures, and tourist information on healthy adventures (kayaking, hiking etc) that naturally take advantage of the state’s breathtaking landscape… and Colorado brewed beer…are all served up FREE!
Photos courtesy of respective restaurants and Colorado.com