Under the South Boston Sun

I’m going to be optimistic this week and hope that the sun and the temperatures going forward are going to cooperate.  Here are some wines to try, as it gets warmer-hopefully.

Canoe Ridge Chardonnay 2014, Horse Heaven Hills, Washington, ($15.99), This is an opulent white wine that bursts with fruit flavor. The Wine Buying Guide says, “Scents of butterscotch and honeysuckle mix with flavors of ripe pear and honeydew for a rich, elegant texture on the finish. Inspired by explorers Lewis and Clark, who, during their 1805 exploration, thought the ridge above the Columbia River resembled an overturned canoe. We’d argue the best exploration of all is discovering the Horse Heaven Hills’ delicious quality in every bottle of Canoe Ridge wine. Uncork your expedition and enjoy.” In addition to the Butterscotch, you’ll get flavors of Honeydew, Honeysuckle and Pears.

Clos Henri, Petit Clos Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand, ($21.99). It’s a long haul from the Loire Valley to New Zealand’s Marlborough region, but France’s Bourgeois family brought their ten generations of winemaking there several years ago. Lightning struck again! This Sancerre-based family is crafting wines that are  textural and elegant, capturing the intense Marlborough character with the aim to reveal the identity of the Clos Henri terroir and a true sense of place in the wines. It’s the perfect aperitif all by itself, but you’ll love it with a decadent lobster roll, a shrimp pasta dish with a light cream sauce and some grated lemon rind, or grilled swordfish with roasted garlicky potatoes on the side. G’day mates! You’re going to love this Clos Henri!

Here’s one to try for your next Sunday Brunch.

Poema Brut Cava NV, Cava, Spain, ($13.99) is a great Spanish Sparkler.  Full of fresh flavors and lively bubbles, this Cava will bring a smile to your face. Aromas of green apple, citrus, and minerals combine for a fresh, clean bouquet. This freshness continues onto the palate, which is light and delicious. A hint of toasted bread gives this wine a little bit of richness that is much appreciated. Enjoy this Cava as an aperitif. It is also delicious in Champagne cocktails, and it pairs well with tapas, oysters, and other seafood. It’s pretty big, at 22% alcohol, but really great for mimosas!

2018 Wolffer “Summer In A Bottle” Rose, Bridgehampton, New York, ($29.99), is creamy and rich, a real “summer is coming” rose. Not only is it a delicious tapestry of lovely fruit and floral notes, and a spot-on combination of acidity and minerality, the bottle is beautiful. It’s decorated with a floral and botanical design, making the SIB Rose both functional and decorative. According to the winemakers, there’s something about the Bridgehampton loam soil and the Atlantic Ocean breezes which create Bordeaux-like conditions that allow their wines to become the perfect balance of ripeness and acidity. A great candidate for your Easter Table!