10 Summer Entertaining Essentials We Can't Live Without

We are constantly asked for advice on wine. In the store, at the supermarket, in emails, on phone calls, at the doctor's office, in the dentist's chair, and at the beach. We even receive emergency wine pairing texts in the evening. You name it. Yet, rarely does anyone ask us what we actually drink at home. Until now.

We have been given the challenging assignment to name the top ten summer entertaining essentials we couldn't live without at home for under $25.

As many of you know, we are big foodies and we take our wine pairings seriously. With so many wines to choose from, we decided to select only those in constant rotation in our own home in the summer months.

This assignment is not without its difficulties. It's sort of like picking your favorite children, only we have about a thousand little darlings who are vying for our attention. So, without further delay, here are our Top 10 Summer Entertaining Essentials.

Eidosela Albarino 2010 (Rias Baixas, Spain)

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Albarino is one of our favorite white wines to serve alongside fish. It also makes a delicious foundation for fish stews. Albarino is never inexpensive due to the challenging conditions in which it's grown, but we finally found a reasonably priced one we like. This is truly an every day Albarino. For more of a splurge, we always choose Pazo Senorans.

"Quince, orange and salty minerals on the nose. Light-bodied and juicy, with zesty citrus and orchard fruit flavors braced by tangy acidity. Very fresh and precise." (International Wine Cellar)

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: 88 points

$14.99 or $143.90/12 pack case ($11.99/bottle) or just $11.99/bottle in a mixed case of wine.

Stefano Massone Gavi 2011 (Piemonte, Italy)

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Gavi is one of Italy's many gifts to the world. It's always made from the grape Cortese and it's one of the few white wines grown in the Piemonte region of Italy, which is widely known for its red Barolos and Barbarescos.

Gavi has a wide range of styles, from dry and crisp all the way to tropical and fat. This Gavi is more lean and crisp, with bright acidity. If you're looking for a bigger style then definitely try the Broglia, which we tasted with the winemaker in New York City a few weeks ago. It's ambrosia.

This Gavi offers the refreshment of a cold mountain stream. Stefano Massone is a rarity in Piedmont: he produces only white wine and from a single grape varietal.

Made from 100% Cortese grapes, this delicious white is both soft and crisp. With a pleasant stony minerality, this straw-yellow wine features notes of apple and pear and a lovely, lingering, refreshing finish.

$12.99/bottle or $124.70/12 pack case ($10.39/bottle) or just $10.39/bottle in a mixed case of wine.

Quinta da Aveleda Vinho Verde 2011 (Portugal)

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In the past we always thought of Portugese Vinho Verde as an inexpensive cooking wine. And it definitely can be. Only this particular one has the mysterious habit of disappearing before it even has a chance to be included in the fish chowder! (eh hem)

It's difficult to beat the quality of this wine for an inexpensive quaffer. This wine would be great in a picnic basket on the sand dunes overlooking the ocean, or happily sitting frostily in an ice bucket on the deck. Any fish or crustacean would be happy alongside a glass of this wine.

This is a very easy drinking, simple, fun sort of wine. It keeps things light and pleasant without seeming overwhelming. Stock up: You won't find a better summer white at this price.

$7.99/bottle or $76.70/12 pack case ($6.39/bottle) or just $6.39/bottle in a mixed case of wine.

M Chapoutier Belleruche Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2011 (Southern Rhone, France)

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This fresh release from Chapoutier is one of our favorite "go to" whites in the store. It's a distinct and lovely Southern Rhône blend of Grenache Blanc, Clairette and Bourboulenc. When you grow bored drinking Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, and you want to venture out a bit with your palate, pick up this bottle of wine.

The nose has green apple, hawthorn, white blossoms, citrus aromas and exotic fruits. On the palate we find a very fresh and well-balanced wine with lots of length and stuffing. Lovely.

$12.99/bottle or $124.70/12 pack case ($10.39/bottle) or just $10.39/bottle in a mixed case of wine.

Chateau Puech Haut Prestige Rosé 2011 (Languedoc-Roussillon, France)

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This is one of our all-time favorite wines. Period. It doesn't matter what time of year, you can almost always find one of these bottles in our house. We entertain a lot, and every time we pour this wine for friends who are in the wine trade, the acclaim is universal. This is one great rosé.

In fact, this may be the best rosé you will taste for the money. If you enjoy dry rosés, this one is off the charts. In fact, it tastes like single vineyard Domaine Ott or Tempier Bandol rosé, but for less than half the price.

One of Robert Parker's favorite rosés, the 2011 is another brilliant effort from this Languedoc property. It has a light cherry blossom hue. Aromas of rainier cherries and nectarine skin. Mouth-watering crisp acidity with a juicy, clean & punchy, nervous finish. Balanced fruit, alcohol and weight so you won't feel guilty when drinking cases at a time.

$17.99/bottle or $172.70/12 pack case ($14.39/bottle) or just $14.39/bottle in a mixed case of wine.

Mumm Napa Valley Brut Rosé Sparkling Wine NV (Napa Valley, CA)

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Napa Valley Mumm, or Napa Valley Yummmmmmmm? We ADORE this wine. Full Stop. If we're not going all out for Champagne and we're not in the mood for Prosecco, this is our #1 choice for bubbles.

Just thinking about this wine brings a smile to our faces. It calls to mind the beautiful and harmonious sound of two Riedel Champagne glasses toasting when you're celebrating nothing more than the evening breeze on a warm summer's evening. Oh, and that lovely color. Swoon.

This wine is all about romance.

"What a roll Mumm Napa is on with their new releases. This blush wine shows the level of richness and elegance the winery has achieved lately. Made from 85% Pinot Noir and 15% Chardonnay, it has deliciously forward flavors of raspberries, strawberries, gingersnap cookies and vanilla lemon custard, with the bubbly froth and tart yeastiness of a fine sparkling wine." (Wine Enthusiast)

Wine Enthusiast: 93 points

"Fresh and lively, yet rich, with strawberry and spicy yeast aromas and lush, ripe flavors of cherry, vanilla, and apple crisp." (Wine Spectator)

Wine Spectator: 90 points

$22.99/bottle or $220.70/12 pack case ($18.39/bottle) or just $18.39/bottle in a mixed case of wine.

Poliziano Rosso di Montepulciano 2009 (Tuscany, Italy)

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Italy is a fun region to study with wine tasting groups because it's so thoroughly vexing. This particular offering is a classic wine school riddle.

One frequently finds Rosso di Montepulciano on elementary wine examinations because it can easily be confused with Montepulciano d'Abruzzo or Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. We're curious. Can any of our Italian wine aficionados tell us the difference between the three?

Rosso di Montepulciano is made from the grape Sangiovese, as is Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Both of these wines are fairly similar in style, and both originate in the town of Montepulciano in Tuscany. Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is a red wine from the Abruzzi region which takes its name from the grape Montepulicano, rather than the city of Montepulciano.

Ah, Italy. We love you.

"The 2009 Rosso di Montepulciano is a delicious, juicy wine best enjoyed while the fruit retains its open, radiant personality." (Wine Advocate)

Wine Advocate: 88 points

"Rich and spicy, this red exudes black cherry, black currant and pepper flavors. It's juicy and firmly structured, with a lingering tobacco and black tea finish. Best from 2013 through 2020. 5,000 cases imported." (Wine Spectator)

Wine Spectator: 89 points

$17.99/bottle or $172.70/12 pack case ($14.39/bottle) or just $14.39/bottle in a mixed case of wine.

Clos Chanteduc Côtes du Rhône 2009 (Southern Rhône, France)

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Côtes du Rhône is such a great summer red. It's tasty served alongside grilled chicken and seared beef, plus it's lip-smacking delicious all on its very own.

"The 2009, a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah aged in foudre/tank, possesses abundant amounts of dark black cherry notes intermixed with hints of wood smoke and garrigue. This classic, soft, round, delicious beauty is ideal for drinking over the next 3-4 years.

These cuvees are made from a 7.5-acre vineyard outside Vaison La Romaine owned by the famous restaurant/food critic, Patricia Wells, whose winemaker is the well-known Yves Gras of Domaine Santa Duc in Gigondas." (Wine Advocate)

Wine Advocate 88 points

$17.99/bottle or $172.70/12 pack case ($14.39/bottle) or just $14.39/bottle in a mixed case of wine.

El Coto Crianza Rioja 2008 (Rioja, Spain)

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El Coto de Rioja Crianza is one of the most popular wines in all of Spain and one of the top selling Rioja's in the world. The 2008 vintage of El Coto's entry level Crianza is a blockbuster. This 100% Tempranillo shows layers of fresh raspberries, cherry, cedar and spice typical of a classically styled Rioja. This is all wrapped up in a vanilla and leather laiden package that is medium in body and sports a long, soft finish.

Always a good value!

"Light but focused, this red has fresh cherry, berry, leafy and licorice notes, with lively acidity, gentle tannins, and a juicy finish. Drink now. 25,000 cases imported." (Wine Spectator)

Wine Spectator: 86 points

$12.99/bottle or $124.70/12 pack case ($10.39/bottle) or just $10.39/bottle in a mixed case of wine.

Campostella Villa Vallemaggiore 2011 (Tuscany, Italy)

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Think pizza. That's all there is to it.

This wine is about as good as it gets for an inexpensive Italian. A true value in wine, drinking like twice its price. That's sure nice.

This ridiculously affordable Italian red is 85% Sangiovese and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine presents itself with a concentrated ruby red, dark with reflexes of purple. In the nose intense notes of fruits and spices. One find spices like cloves,pepper and black fruits like blackberries, black currant and plum. Slowly notes of licorice, rhubarb and cherry develop. A full bodied wine with delicate tannins and fresh, tasty aromas.

$7.99/bottle or $76.70/12 pack case ($6.39/bottle) or just $6.39/bottle in a mixed case of wine.

* Wine & Spirit Education Trust Certified *

Town Center Wine & Spirits
Cape Cod's Most Trusted Wine Merchant

Location 4550 State Highway North Eastham, MA 02651 (Next to the Royal Thai Restaurant in the Town Center Plaza) Tel: 508 255 3660 Fax: 508 255 6736

Early Summer Hours Mon -Thurs 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fri - Sat 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.   We are open year round. Only closed on Memorial Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas