Three perfect picks to enjoy during hot days and cooler nights of late summer.
It's edging into that time of year in Asheville when we get to enjoy a little preview of great fall weather to come. While the hot daytime temperatures still linger, the cooler nights are starting to move in. The three wines featured this weekend will handle the full stretch of late August summer weather and will fit nicely with dinner or the porch.
2016 Ptujska Klet "Pullus Haložan" White Blend - Ptuj, Slovenia
Meet one of our most popular white wines of the summer. This fresh and vibrant blend of Welschriesling, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Furmint was in instant hit when it arrived in the spring. Slovenia isn't exactly a household name yet in the wine world, however, if you're a fan of Austrian whites or whites from Friuli in north east Italy, then this wine is right in your comfort zone. Expressive aromas of white flowers, green apple, and pear lead to a lush palate of stone fruit, apple, and citrus. The big hit of perfectly ripe fruit is deftly balanced by the zippy lift of bright acidity, keeping the wine super fresh on the palate. I'm happy to say that we just received another supply of this gem, so if you're heading the coast for that last beach trip of the summer, don't leave without stocking up on this. Your friends and family will thank you!
Regular price here at the AWM: $15.99
Tasting price Friday and Saturday in a case: $13.59
2016 Domaine La Colombe Rosé - Côtes de Provence, France
40 Km east of Aix-en-Provence you'll find the village of Saint-Maximin-Sainte-Baume., home to Domaine La Colombe. The domain is a part of AOP Coteaux Varois En Provence, the newest of the Provence appellations. The vineyards are perched at elevations between 900 and 1300 feet with terroir including clay and limestone soils in combination with the sandier soils of the valley. The traditional blend of AOP Coteaux Varios en Provence: Grenache and Cinsault complemented by a nice dollop of Cabernet Sauvignon, providing extra richness and finesse. The delicately pale orange color introduces aromas of tangerine, strawberry and white peach that are energized by a hint of white pepper and spice. A clean and racy palate offers fresh red berry, strawberry, and pit fruit flavors with long lingering hints of succulent herbs. The 2016 release while very similar to the delicious 2015, carries just a bit more lift and spark.
Regular price here at the AWM: $12.99
On Sale this week for $9.99
2016 La Veguilla Expresion - Ribera del Duero, Spain
La Veguilla is located in the heart of "Ribera del Duero in an area know as "Golden Mile", close to the river Duero and with excellent exposure to the sun. Here, Tempranillo is king, and in this region, it's known as Tinta del País or Tinto FIno. Two generations of the Garcia family tend the vineyards while continuing a long heritage of wine making excellence in the region. La Veguilla Expresion is 100% Tempranillo and is a textbook "expression" of the grape in the Ribera del Duero. Richer and more generously structured than Tempranillo in Rioja, the reds of Ribera will remind you more of Bordeaux than Burgundy. For a value driven Ribera, this jewel is packed with notes of dark fruits, blackberry, blueberry and black cherry with subtle earthy notes of mocha and coffee. Pair this with your favorite steak or chops from the grill, but feel free to enjoy this one just on its own. There's just a kiss of oak aging that perfectly smooths out the palate making this a great candidate for the porch or pool as well.
Regular price here at the AWM: $14.99
Tasting price Friday and Saturday in a case: $12.74