The 8 Best Wines for Summer by Maia Parish
Maia Parish is a nationally published Sommelier and wine judge. She hosts a podcast called Hungry, Tipsy, & Grown; and a live streaming show called Tales of a Wine Mistress. Maia owns and operates an award-winning wine events company called The Wine Suite. In addition, she owns a social media firm called Parish Media which provides social media education and navigation for small businesses. Ms. Parish lives in Denver and also spends time in Napa and Oregon Wine regions. In this issue, Maia recommends her 8 favorite wines for the summer season.
Maia Parish photographed by Carolyn Wells-Kramer of CWK Photography
Summer wine consumption usually features one of three wine styles. Rosé, Sparkling, and or White. Check out a few of these wine brands to cool your palate and keep you interested. My Vineyard in Cherry Creek offers a white wine club membership. Clif Louis has been the owner My Vineyard for over 35 years. If you are looking for some variety, check out their white wine membership option. The club sends three bottles of white wine to bi-monthly to members. Ask for Peter or Matt.
Rosé Wine
Rosé season is upon us. Rosé wine is more than just pink wine. According to VinePair’ s rosé is having its strongest seasonal period. The best thing about the rosé is the fact that the wine can be produced for any red varietal. Rosé is a pink wine made from red grapes and is made in many styles, from dry to sweet, and may range in color from very pale pink to cranberry - juice. Here are a few standouts:
Carboy Winery - Downtown Denver Rose 2018 (1L) 2018 Napa Valley $26: A light Rosé from one of my favorite Colorado wineries. Excellent nose for a Rosé with flavors of soft raspberry and red berries. Carboy offer this wine on tap and by the keg.
Heitz Cellars - 2018 Grignolino Rose, Napa Valley $22: This wine is gorgeous with clear bejeweled pink hues and flavors ripe peach, orange zest, fresh strawberry, pink grapefruit. This perfect acidity makes this wine an excellent choice for warm weather days. The Grignolino grape is a little-known Italian red variety.
Theopolis Vineyards - 2016 Rose of Petite Sirah California $22: The 2016 Estate Grown Dry Rosé is made with Petite Sirah and has fabulous aromas of rose petals, cranberries, and fresh cherries. Powerful, fruit flavors burst on the palate, balanced by nice acidity, and lingering finish. Pairs well with BBQ Shrimp.
Sparkling Wine
Charles Heidsieck - Blanc de Blanc NV $80: Charles Heidsieck is the smallest of the Grandes Marques Champagne Houses. This champagne showcases a burst of strawberry and some dark fruit. The wine is delicate with an aging period of 36 months. Carefully selected Cru grapes are used to provide a combination of spice and overripen strawberry.
Jack Blot -Domaine de la Taille Aux Loups Triple Zero $38: Triple Zero is a lightly sparkling wine made from Chenin Blanc. lt is an unfiltered, naturally-made sparkling wine with flavors of tart apple and fresh pear.
White Wine
Maison Noir Wines - 2014 "Oregogne" Chardonnay $40: From Willamette Valley in Oregon, this wine is balanced with yellow apple, Asian pear, and citrus flavors. The nose is flinty and hints of ripe fruit on the finish. I’d pair this wine with shellfish, chicken, and salad.
Raft Wines - 2018 Grenache Blanc $27 El Dorado, California: A full-bodied white. On the nose, it smells like fruity red apple and baking spices. The palate is acidic, with overripe stone fruit, and hints of nuttiness.
D Wade Cellars -Chenin Blanc $22 Napa Valley: With legendary winemaker Jayson Pahlmeyer, this brand has a 2018 new release in Chenin Blanc and it is showing very well. This is a fun wine with notes of citrus, honeysuckle, and cantaloupe. Pairs great with sushi and spicy food.