AUSTIN, Texas (May 25, 2011) — Summer may have you daydreaming about an exotic vacation, whether it’s lounging on the sun-drenched coast of southern France, hiking Argentina’s foothills, bungee jumping in New Zealand or diving into the clear, blue waters of Greece. With Whole Foods Market’s Top 10 Summer Wines, you can settle into a sultry summer by opening a bottle of wine to enjoy a taste of exotic travel without leaving your own backyard or spending a pretty penny.
“New World” meets “Old World” with Whole Foods Market’s specially-selected and priced Top 10 Summer Wines, which include something for everyone, all less than $20.
“From alternative whites and recently popular off-dry reds to classic Bordeaux and Côtes du Rhône wines, these wines are well suited for sipping at the beach or poolside, pairing with grilled foods and other summer favorites, and sparking conversation with friends,” said Geof Ryan, global co-wine buyer for Whole Foods Market.
Here is the list of Top 10 Summer Wines, five* of which have been sourced directly by Whole Foods Market:
Elios Mediterranean White
– From Greece, this crisp, fresh, dry white wine has mineral notes and ripe citrus on the nose. Perfect for sipping on the porch or served at brunch. Cheese pairing: Bonhomme Brie from Isigny Ste. Mère Recipe pairing: Grilled Tempeh Kabobs
Innovac!ón Torrontés Pinot Grigio*
– Made in Argentina from sustainably farmed grapes, this liter-size value bottle holds an irresistibly floral, tart white with hints of lush peach and apricot. Cheese pairing: Seaside Cheddar, aged 15 months Recipe pairing: Farfalle with Roasted Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
Allan Scott Millstone Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc*
– Made with organically grown grapes, this elegant crisp New Zealand white tastes of ripe grapefruit and lemon sherbet. Cheese pairing: Bucherondin Recipe pairing: Halibut Tacos with Creamy Corn and Tomato Slaw
Vega Sindoa Viura Chardonnay
– This Spanish favorite is full-bodied with crisp acidity like a bright green apple and delicate floral aromas.
Cheese pairing: Manchego Recipe pairing: Grilled Pizza with Spinach and Ricotta Salata
Simi Chardonnay
– A classic Sonoma County Chardonnay with ripe apple and pear notes and a touch of buttery popcorn on the finish. This wine offers golden color and excellent balance.
Cheese pairing: Farmstead Gouda Recipe pairing: Oven-Fried Chicken
Cupcake Red Velvet
– A casual, slightly sweet California red that brims with grape, plum and a touch of spicy strawberry jam that can be enjoyed slightly chilled.
Cheese pairing: Rogue Creamery Oregon Blue, hand-selected for Whole Foods Market Recipe pairing: Gorgonzola and Sun-Dried Tomato Bison Burgers
Andes Crossing Malbec*
– This signature red from Argentina is dense and full of jam and spice with hints of ripe, dark cherries.
Cheese pairing: Grafton Village Classic Reserve Cheddar, aged two years Recipe pairing: Slow-cooked Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Perrin Nature Côtes du Rhône
– Made using organic practices, this classic French red expresses its rich, fertile terroir with cherry, blackberry and earthy notes, a hint of black pepper, and elegant tannins.
Cheese pairing: Fourme d’Ambert Recipe pairing: Grilled Tuna Niçoise Salad
Vitiano Cabernet Sauvignon Sangiovese*
– Enjoy the ripe plum and black cherry notes and balanced acidity in this medium-bodied “Super Tuscan” from Italy that is deep ruby red in color.
Cheese pairing: P’tit Basque Recipe pairing: Grilled Salmon with Mediterranean Salsa
Château Paradis Casseuil Bordeaux*
– This beautifully priced French red with youthful notes of plum and cassis can be enjoyed now after decanting, or better yet, tucked away for a special occasion.
Cheese pairing: Blue d’Auvergne Recipe pairing: Lamb Chops with Persillade and Sea Salt
Evodia Old Vine Garnacha
– Thanks to 100-year-old vines, this ripe Spanish favorite is a complex, big, round red wine with flavors of strawberry preserves, black raspberry and a hint of violet.
Cheese pairing: Manchego Recipe pairing: Turkey Sausage-Stuffed Grilled Portobellos
Presto Moscato Dolce
– This delicate, sweet summer sparkler from Italy has honeyed peach and apricot flavors is perfect for sipping or drizzled over fruit.
Cheese pairing: Brillat Savarin Recipe pairing: Strawberry Fool
Summer Wine Twitter Tasting
Shoppers are invited to participate in the Top 10 Summer Wine Twitter Tasting on Thursday, June 9 from 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. CT when its global wine buyers will lead a virtual tasting of six of the summer wines:
- Elios Mediterranean White
- Innovac!ón Torrontés Pinot Grigio
- Perrin Nature Côtes du Rhône
- Evodia Old Vine Garnacha
- Vitiano Cabernet Sauvignon Sangiovese
- Presto Moscato Dolce
Simply pick up one or more of these wines to join the fun online or check with local stores for Twitter Tasting events, and follow along with @WFMWineGuys and #WFMWine. For a chance to win all the cheese and wine to host your own virtual wine tasting party, correctly answer one of our wine trivia questions tweeted from @WholeFoods. One winner will be chosen daily from June 1-6**. For more information, visit wholefoodsmarket.com/wine.
For wine and recipe photos, please visit wholefoodsmarket.com/pressroom/photo-gallery/
**No purchase necessary. Must be 21 to participate. Prizes will be awarded in the form of Whole Foods Market gift cards, which winners may use to redeem at their discretion.
# # #
About Whole Foods Market®
Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market (wholefoodsmarket.com, NASDAQ: WFMI), is the leading natural and organic food retailer. As America’s first national certified organic grocer, Whole Foods Market was named “America’s Healthiest Grocery Store” by Health magazine. The company's motto, “Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet”™ captures its mission to ensure customer satisfaction and health, Team Member excellence and happiness, enhanced shareholder value, community support and environmental improvement. Thanks to the company’s nearly 60,000 Team Members, Whole Foods Market has been ranked as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in America by FORTUNE magazine for 14 consecutive years. In fiscal year 2010, the company had sales of more than $9 billion and currently has more than 300 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
