Summer-time always brings the desire for lighter fares – more salads, light pasta and fish, less red meat, soup and comfort food. I also tend to drink more wine in the summer. There is something so wonderful about a refreshing glass to be enjoyed outside, perhaps with a well-prepared meal. Fortunate for Washington folk, there are refreshing whites and roses for the summer months right in your backyard. Bring any of these wines to a dinner party, serve them at your own event or open them up on warm summer night and toast the winemakers of Woodinville!
Eye of the Needle 2013 Rose of Merlot. From the fine folks who brought us the 12th Blend Chenin comes this bone-dry rose. For those of you who hear rose and think immediately of a day long hangover and a sugar headache – don’t. Sweetness isn’t a factor with this wine – it’s elegant, rather than girlish. I would pair this unassuming wine with an outdoor BBQ – prawn skewers, couscous salad or BBQ chicken. The problem? You’re not likely to find it outside of the tasting room. Eye of the Needle is located in Woodinville’s warehouse district – it boasts a funky tasting room, fabulous wine and good people.
Novelty Hill 2013 Stillwater Creek Vineyard Viognier. I have a soft spot for Viognier, and this one from Novelty Hill certainly hits it! It’s floral scented, but tastes more earthy than flowery. Slightly fruity while still remaining refreshing, this wine has a unique flavor that sets it apart. I would give this wine a try when you want a conversation starter. Novelty Hill Winery serves pizza at their tasting room; a light, thin crust variety would pair nicely with this wine. For cooking at home (you can order the bottle online!), I would pair this with a cheese plate- soft cheeses like brie and chevre would do nicely.
2013 Tenor Chardonnay. If I could only drink one white wine for the rest of eternity, this chardonnay from the world-class wines of Tenor Winery might be the one. A bold statement, I realize, especially to make about a chardonnay. Chardonnay connotes ‘boring’ and ‘plain’ in my vernacular, so I was skeptical. Boring this is not. There is a ton of spirited flavor packed into something so light – the description asks you to search for flavors as far ranging as stone fruits, baking spices and toasted marshmallow. This wine would be wonderful with lightly flavored seafood or vegetable risotto. My perfect dinner? This Tenor Chardonnay paired with sashimi.
If everything goes according to plan, outdoor festivities should be able to start in just a few short weeks. While you wait for better weather, stock up on better-weather wines like the ones listed above, and let the wining and dining begin.
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