AUSTIN, Texas (May 17, 2012) – To toast the sunny, carefree days of summer, Whole Foods Market shares its Top 10 favorite warm-weather wines – from crisp, fragrant whites to earthy, spicy reds – all priced between $7.99 and $14.99. This year’s selection of wines offer super variety at a value – from every day sippers and old classics making a comeback, to hearty reds that stand up to grilled foods.

The company’s Top 10 Summer Wines include a one-of-a-kind organic grüner veltliner from Austria as well as the old favorite Bolla Soave Classico, an Italian favorite from the 1970s that has been bottled in classy, retro packaging. 

“We have found some great wines that are like ‘bottled sunshine’ for our shoppers who will also be pleasantly surprised when they see the prices of these gems,” said Doug Bell, Whole Foods Market global wine buyer. “With our selection and diversity of summer wines, shoppers can easily find the perfect bottle or two for the beach, outdoor picnic and/or backyard barbecue.”

Whole Foods Market invites wine enthusiasts to share their thoughts about the Top 10 Summer Wines during two different Taste & Tweet online chats. Go to wholefoodsmarket.com/wine for more information about the Twitter Tastings and use the hashtag #WFMwine to follow the conversation.

Summer Wines Twitter Tasting 1 – Thursday, May 31, 7-8 p.m. CST

  • Mionetto Prosecco
  • Pratsch Grüner Veltliner
  • Tormaresca Neprica

 

Summer Wines Twitter Tasting 2 – Thursday, July 12, 7-8 p.m. CST

  • Kyklos Moschofilero
  • Yalumba Christobel’s Eden Valley Riesling
  • Pallas Tempranillo by Jorge Ordonez

Here’s a look at Whole Foods Market’s Top 10 Summer Wines that are priced so well, shoppers will want to keep several on-hand for last-minute summer soirées:

Mionetto Prosecco (Italy): With golden apple and elderflower flavors, this lively and delicate sparkling wine has a clean, lingering finish – perfect to sip or pair with seafood. Made with organically-grown grapes.

Recipe pairing: Mussels Vinaigrette

Cheese pairing: Fromager d’Affinois

 

Kyklos Moschofilero (Greece): This light straw-colored white has melon, white rose, and citrus flavors with some fresh vegetable notes, providing a zingy, pleasant finish. A great pairing with seafood, this is a fun substitute for chardonnay or pinot grigio.

Recipe pairing: Calamari Pasta

Cheese pairing: Mahón

 

Bolla Soave Classico (Italy) – What is old is new again with this classic Italian white with aromas of flowers and fresh stone fruit and a clean, fresh finish. This is an easy-drinking white that pairs well with fish. With a new vintage label, this is the perfect summer porch wine.

Recipe pairing: Shrimp and Mango Ceviche

Cheese pairing: Wellspring Creamery Cranberry Orange Goat Cheese

 

Louis Latour Ardèche Chardonnay (France) – With a toasty bouquet, this white has delicious apple notes and a crisp acidity and round finish. This is a bargain for a French chardonnay from one of the most innovative producers in Burgundy.

Recipe pairing: Waldorf Salad with Honey-Yogurt Dressing and Fresh Mint

Cheese pairing: Mons Camembert

 

Pratsch Grüner Veltliner (Austria) – Made with organically grown grapes, this fruit-forward fragrant white offers apple, citrus and white pepper notes paired with great acidity for a crisp finish.

Recipe pairing: Lemony Angel Hair with Crème Fraîche, Parmesan and Artichoke Hearts

Cheese pairing: Morbier

 

Yalumba Christobel’s Eden Valley Riesling (Australia) – With aromas of nectarine and white peach, citrus zest, tropical fruits, and some minerality, this white offers a touch of sweetness. This riesling would be perfect paired with apple pie and cheddar cheese.

Recipe Pairing: Sesame-Peanut Noodles

Cheese Pairing: Cypress Grove Humboldt Fog

 

Hogue Late Harvest Riesling (Washington) – This dessert wine offers zesty aromas of sweet tangerine, honeysuckle and apricot flavors, with hints of mint on the finish.

Recipe pairing: Grilled Fruit with Caramelized Orange Sauce

Cheese pairing: Rogue Creamery Oregon Blue Cheese

 

Vinum Cellars Pinot Noir (California) – With classic earthy, cola and ripe cherry flavors, this full-bodied red has soft tannins and drinks like a gem. It is a perfect pairing with grilled salmon and pork loin with fruit.

Recipe pairing: Firecracker Grilled Salmon

Cheese pairing: Borough Market Cheddar

 

Pallas Tempranillo by Jorge Ordonez (Spain) – This lush, ripe red has aromas of red and dark berries, smoky herbs and spices – the perfect pairing with barbecue, shish kabobs, and Spanish chorizo.

Recipe pairing: Spanish Chickpeas and Chorizo

Cheese pairing: Solé Gran Queso

 

Tormaresca Neprica (Italy) – A blend of negroamaro, primitivo and cabernet sauvignon, this lean red has dusty aromas, black raspberry and pepper flavors, and silky tannins. This is a top-notch pick for pepper steak.

Recipe pairing: Skillet Fajitas with Jicama Salsa

Cheese pairing: Drunken Goat

 

Columbia Winery Merlot (Washington) – With black cherry and plum flavors, and mint and smoky undertones, this merlot is the perfect “go to” wine for burgers and eggplant parmesan.

Recipe pairing: Eggplant Bolognese

Cheese pairing: Parrano

 

Bubo Cabernet Sauvignon (California) – Rich layers of black cherry, blackberry, spice and cedar create a jammy red for pizza, barbecue and sangria with berries. 

Recipe pairing: Grilled Vegetable Pizza

Cheese pairing: Grafton Classic Reserve Cheddar Aged Two Years