New & Notable: Must Have Wines for Summer

WINES FOR A THIRSTY CROWD

With the summer season upon us, it's time for the arrival of mosquitos, humidity, and company. Thankfully one of those is welcome. We've been searching for wallet-friendly wines which are fast, easy and fresh for you to serve guests this summer.

Mission accomplished.

Villa des Anges Rose 2011 (Languedoc-Roussillon, France)

Generally speaking, there are three styles of rosé in the market. Villa des Anges rosé can be classified as FUN and FLIRTY. It doesn't take itself too seriously, like some of the expensive wines from Provence which can be hauntingly reminiscent of white Burgundy.

Villa des Anges will have none of that high-handed snobbery. This wine is all about dialing up fruit intensity, while still remaining a dry wine with a teasing pink hue.

When it's hot and humid outside this wine beckons like a siren.

Crafted by winemaker Jeff Carrel, this rosé is made from old vine Cinsault sourced from old vines in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France. This wine is vividly fresh and medium-bodied with complex aromas and flavors of strawberries, red currants and a hint of quince. Of all the rosés out there, this one is destined to be a great friend for company.

Serve it as an aperitif on the deck, sneak it on the beach (just don't tell us), or have it with salads, seafood and lighter dishes on the picnic table. It has a stelvin screwcap closure which makes for easy access. How nice is that?!?

This wine is a screaming bargain at $9.99/bottle or $95.90/12 pack case ($7.99/bottle) or just $7.99/bottle in a mixed case of wine.

Castano Macabeo/Chardonnay 2011 (Yecla, Spain)

This wine is a liquid reminder wine shouldn't be taken too seriously. It's a blend of 50% Macabeo and 50% Chardonnay, which makes it more interesting and exotic than just plain Chardonnay.

The Castano family is one of the most respected wine producers in South-Eastern Spain. The grapes for this wine are grown on high altitudes in wine-friendly limestone soil.

The aromas are clean and delicate with apple and pineapple notes, and a hint of underlying smokiness. In the mouth, it's silky, round and well structured. This wine was imported directly into Massachusetts just for us. You won't find it anywhere else in the state. Pretty cool stuff.

$8.99/bottle or $86.30/12 pack case ($7.19/bottle) or just $7.19/bottle in a mixed case of wine.

Locatelli Pinot Grigio 2011 (Friuli, Italy)

We rarely drink Pinot Grigio at home because it's a relatively neutral grape and we like wines (and people) with distinct personalities. Yet, when we tasted it (along with their Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Blanc, which we also brought in) we really enjoyed it.

If your chicken could speak, it would definitely ask for a glass of this wine.

Locatelli has floral notes mixed with rich fruit aromas of apricot and peach, and a slight mineral chalkiness (an unusual but welcome addition to Pinot Grigio). On the palate it's soft and medium-bodied with melon flavors and gentle acidity. A great value in Pinot Grigio from a winery which has been making wine since 1648!

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

Symington Altano 2009 (Douro, Portugal)

We'll let the generous press do the talking on this one.

"Wild plum and berry flavors are concentrated and well-rounded in this balanced, fresh-tasting red, which shows hints of chocolate on the finish. Drink now through 2014. 5,000 cases imported." (Wine Spectator)

Wine Spectator: 88 points

Wine Spectator: Best Values

"A warm, ripe vintage of Altano, its berry and red plum fruits rich and generous. It has attractive, well-balanced, soft tannins. A layer of acidity and spice completes this harmonious wine." (Wine Enthusiast)

Wine Enthusiast: 87 points

Wine Enthusiast: Best Buy

$10.99/bottle or $105.50/12 pack case ($8.79/bottle) or just $8.79/bottle in a mixed case of wine.

NORTHERN RHÔNE SUPERSTAR WINES FOR SPECIAL GATHERINGS

When the company leaves and it's just you and your honey, it's time to break out something special to remind each other why the sun, moon, and all the stars revolve around each other. These wines are special enough to do just that very thing.

“The northern Rhône is currently one of the most exciting wine regions of France, and not just because the two last vintages were so very successful there.” Jancis Robinson, MW, author, The Oxford Companion to Wine.

François Villard St. Joseph Mairlant 2010 (Northern Rhône Valley, France)

There are four big names in the Northern Rhône. François Villard is one of them. You read about him in textbooks and you see him written about in famous wine publications. He is a legend in this region, and throughout the world he is known for his passionate and brilliant wine making.

Wine professionals do somersaults to get their hands on his small production wines. There is such a tiny quantity of his wines produced. Only a few cases of each actually make their way into Massachusetts. We begged him for more, but no deal. That's just the way things work in the Northern Rhône.

Monsieur Villard Pays Us A Visit

Monsieur Villard recently came to America to pour his wines at the prestigious Nantucket Wine Festival. He was specially detoured by the wholesaler to our store, as a result of our love of Northern Rhône wines. What a thrill!

François is one happy guy. He has a perpetual grin and he seems more like a child at play than one of the most important winemakers on the planet. Perhaps this is because he gets to drink his own wine on a regular basis!!!

The St. Joseph Mairlant is a 50-50 blend of Marsanne and Roussanne, which gives this wine wonderful freshness and vivacity combined with layers of honeyed ripeness. Honey and orange marmalade shine through on the nose, along with the merest hint of hazelnuts, while the palate features strong mineral and spice notes.

This may be one of the most beautiful white wines you will ever taste.

We have very limited quantity available, so call or email to reserve while you still can. Seriously.

If you don't flip out over this one, we're going to suggest you pursue a new hobby!

$38.99/bottle or $374.30/12 pack case ($31.19/bottle) or just $31.19/bottle in a mixed case of wine.

François Villard Côte-Rotie Le Gallet Blanc 2009 (Northern Rhône Valley, France)

François Villard is a Northern Rhône specialist. When we tasted his Côte-Rotie we were amazed it was so accessible at such a young age. A Côte-Rotie can typically age for 15-20 years and needs some cellaring before drinking.

“95% Syrah, 5% Viognier. Intense, pure dark fruit. Clean zesty cherry aroma and just a hint of vanilla. Like the St-Joseph, the first impression is light and elegant, though there’s a more sustained intensity of pure fruit here and a fine mineral line. Tannins are almost powdery, they are so fine. Long and fresh. Easy to underestimate at this stage.” Jancis Robinson, MW

Jancis Robinson, MW: 17+ points (out of 20)

This is a tiny production wine, with just a few cases available in Massachusetts. Very limited supply. Please call or email to reserve this wine. $139.99/bottle or $671.96/6 pack case ($111.99/bottle) or just $111.99/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