AUSTIN, TX (May 23, 2013) – Whole Foods Market toasts warm summer fun with a hot lineup of Top 10 Summer Wines – all bargain priced under $16 – that are perfect for backyard grilling and sipping poolside.
These 12 hand-picked wines are sure to appeal to both value shoppers and intrepid wine lovers who will enjoy sipping across the globe with a list that reads like stamps in a passport of a summer dream vacation — California, Washington, France, Spain, Italy, Germany and Portugal. Off-the-beaten-path picks include a citrusy colombard white and a red blend from Portugal’s trincadeira and aragonez (also known as tempranillo) grapes as well as quintessential California favorites like a Mondavi fumé blanc and a bright red cherry pinot noir.
“Whole Foods Market has every campout, beach trip, dinner party, and wedding covered with this year’s value-driven list that’s full of variety – there is definitely a summer sipper for everyone,” said Doug Bell, national wine buyer for Whole Foods Market. “Like Whole Foods Market’s other wine specials throughout the year, these picks offer a little something different that you won’t find at other supermarkets and wine shops. And, at these prices, it’s easy to buy a six-pack or case to have on hand for fun in the summer sun.”
Whole Foods Market invites wine enthusiasts 21 and older to discuss these and other favorite summer wines during two Twitter Tastings on May 30 and June 27. Whole Foods Market will once again co-host the Twitter Tastings with wine expert Leslie Sbrocco’s Thirsty Girl community of women who have a passion for wine, food and travel. Go to wholefoodsmarket.com/wine for more information and use the hashtag #WFMwine to follow the conversation. The online tasting schedule is:
Thursday, May 30, 7-8 p.m. CDT:
· Vinum Cellars Chardonnay
· Monte Velho Red
· H&G Washington State Merlot
Thursday, June 27, 7-8 p.m. CDT:
· Mont Gravet Côtes de Gascogne
· Lamatum Ribera del Duero Crianza
· Chateau Grand Claret Côtes de Bordeaux
· Pizzolato Moscato
The company’s Top 10 Summer Wines include:
Mont Gravet Côtes de Gascogne, France — crispy white peach and bright lemon flavors from this 100 percent colombard white
- Recipe pairing: Green Curry Chicken with Rice Noodles
- Cheese pairing: Seaside Cheddar
Donnafugata Anthilia, Italy — citrus and herbal aromas with a touch of zing on the finish
- Recipe pairing: Grilled Chicken Salad with Peach-Pecan Vinaigrette
- Cheese pairing: Hervé Mons Camembert
Robert Mondavi Fumé Blanc, California — crisp lime aromas with honeydew, honeysuckle and subtle spice notes. Enjoy this limited bottling in its original vintage 1966 packaging and celebrate the 100th birthday of its iconic creator, Napa Valley’s Robert Mondavi.
- Recipe pairing: Grilled Swordfish Steaks with Tomatoes and Pine Nuts
- Cheese pairing: Cypress Grove Humboldt Fog Goat Cheese
Vinum Cellars Chardonnay, California – French oak, vanilla and creamy custard flavors are balanced with a citrusy tang
- Recipe pairing: Summer Tomato and Crab Salad
- Cheese pairing: Cowgirl Creamery Organic Mt. Tam
SeaGlass Santa Barbara Pinot Noir, California — bright red cherry and strawberry flavors with hints of white pepper
- Recipe pairing: Goat Cheese Bruschetta with Cherries and Mint
- Cheese pairing: Hervé Mons St. Nuage Brie
Monte Velho Red, Portugal — red berry fruits with earthiness add complexity to this red blend
- Recipe pairing: Italian Flank Steak Pinwheels
- Cheese pairing: Vermont Butter and Cheese Creamery Bonne Bouche Goat Cheese
Icardi Barbera d’Asti, Italy — lively cherry flavors with hints of cocoa and a velvety finish
- Recipe pairing: Farfalle with Hot Italian Sausage, Tomatoes and Basil
- Cheese pairing: Taleggio
Lamatum Ribera del Duero Crianza, Spain – full and rich with sweet red fruit flavors and hints of clove and vanilla
- Recipe pairing: Spice-Rubbed Beef Short Ribs
- Cheese pairing: El Trigal Manchego
H&G Washington State Merlot, Washington — black cherry, blackberry and plum flavors with hints of cocoa
- Recipe pairing: Lamb Skewers with Tahini Yogurt Sauce
- Cheese pairing: Fourme d’Ambert Blue Cheese
Chateau Grand Claret Côtes de Bordeaux, France — black cherries, caramel and fig flavors with a velvety palate
- Recipe pairing: Grilled Eggplant and Tomato Salad
- Cheese pairing: Parrano
Cupcake Vineyards Riesling, Germany — bright citrus, lemons and ripe honeydew flavors with a slightly sweet finish, this riesling is perfect for summer cocktails.
- Recipe pairing: Fiery Wok-Seared Green Beans
- Cheese pairing: Campo de Montalban
Pizzolato Moscato Dolce, Italy — fragrant peach notes penetrate this sparkling dessert wine made with organic grapes.
- Recipe pairing: Ham, Mushroom and Fontina Frittata
- Cheese pairing: Fromager d’Affinois
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