With daylight savings and temperatures rising, here in California we call this “Picnic Season”. Grab your blanket, pick up some cheese and gather your friends to enjoy these absolutely refreshing wines while hanging out in the sun.
Bodegas Botani
Moscatel Seco 2013
Malaga, Spain
$18
93 Pts
Zesty and full of life, this dry style of Muscat of Alexandria unveils aromas of ripe apricot, ruby red grapefruit, lychee and acacia. Crisp and spunky on the palate, it unfolds tangy flavors of mandarin orange and jasmine for a long clean finish. -JA
Cantina Terlano
Pinot Grigio 2013
Alto Adige, Italy
$23
94 Pts
As if sent from up above, this wondrous wine exudes an ambiance of lemon zest, quince, raw almonds, and a distinct minerality from the steep slopes of red porphyric soils. Crisply acidic and multifaceted, the palate continues on with notes of lime squeeze, honeysuckle and a long nutty finish. -JA
Red Car
Rosé of Pinot Noir 2014
Sonoma Coast, California
$24
95Pts
Nearly utopian with its divine elegance, this dry rose offers expressions of watermelon, wild strawberry, wet stone and white rose. On the palate it bestows an incredible sense of purity alongside juicy flavors of pink grapefruit, kumquat and white pepper. -JA
Left Coast Cellars
The Orchards Pinot Gris 2013
Willamette Valley, Oregon
$18
93 Pts
Succulent like biting into an Asian pear on a warm summer day, it further expresses hints of pineapple, iris, and steely minerality. Its rich round body is uplifted by its sparky acidity, making this a truly delicious companion to bring to the park. -JA
White Hart
Chardonnay 2013
Arroyo Seco, California
$17
92 Pts
Where the forces of complexity and freshness combine, this Central Coast chardonnay offers an enticing perfume of apple tart, orange blossom, fresh baguette and nutmeg. Its bright acidity and precision of minerality on the palate make this perfect for a sunny afternoon. -JA
Domaine de la Quilla
Muscadet Sevre et Maine Sur Lie 2013
Loire Valley, France
$13
92 Pts
Almost dreamlike in style, this ultra-refreshing white brilliantly displays its aromas of lime blossom, saline, and smoky minerality over a zippy palate of green apple. Nothing could be a better pairing for your Sunday brunch oysters. -JA