July Wine Picks are from Laura Hartman, Owner of La Cave à Vin. Nestled in the heart of Exeter's historic district, La Cave à Vin was opened by Laura in 2003 with a mission to introduce the local residents to boutique wines, artisanal cheeses and culinary items from around the world.  They specialize in unique, hard to find products from Azietao to Zamorano; Acorn to Zind Humbrecht and everything in between. Each item they carry is thoughtfully selected and represents our passion for food, wine and cooking.  Visit them at 103 Water Street in downtown Exeter, or on the web at www.lacaveavin.net

Laura's July Picks are great for your 4th of July Celebrations or any hot Summer night. 

Weingut Bassermann Jordan 2005 Estate Riesling Trocken (Dry)  Pfalz, Germany $22
The Jordan Family started wine growing in the 18th century,  Friedrich von Bassermann-Jordan
was the author of the seminal work on The History of Wine growing, and today the estate  houses a  museum of old wines, and starting with an 1706 Forster Ungeheuer the collection contains wines from every year through  1880. The  history, attention to detail and love of wine shows in every bottle from this estate. This Riesling is aromatic with melon and citrus and a hint of petrol.  On the palate, a rich mouth feel with melon, peach and citrus flavors lead to bright acidity and a nice minerality. This wine is the perfect companion for spicy Thai food or grilled fish and also great for sipping with friends on the deck or at the beach.

Man Vintners Chenin Blanc Coastal South Africa $10
Man Vintners, a project developed by Charles Back, of Goats do Roam fame, José Conde of Stark Conde winery and Tyrell Myburgh of Joostenberg winery, started with an idea to create great wines at a good price, and they have really succeeded..  The vineyards located in the Pederberg region of South Africa, an area with very little rainfall,  produce some of the best Chenin in South Africa and this wine is a fine example. Tropical fruit, guava and melon aromas, crisp and bold, sweet citrus backed by refreshing acidity and minerality, this is an excellent wine to go with most poultry, fish, shellfish (especially oysters) and salad dishes. A fabulous aperitif for a hot summer afternoon.

Sokol Blosser Meditrina  Dundee Hills, Oregon $24
In 1971, when Bill and Susan Sokol Blosser planted their first vines in the Dundee Hills, there was no
Oregon wine industry. Now Dundee, in the heart of the Willamette Valley, is the “epicenter of Oregon Pinot Noir”. Sokol Blosser farms organically and views all buying and building through the lens of The Natural Step, a science-based systems framework for sustainable business practices. Examples would be using cork because it's a renewable resource and remodeling offices with sustainable products. Sokol Blosser's underground barrel cellar became the first in the country to earn the U.S. Green Building Council's prestigious LEED certification.  Named for the Roman goddess, Meditrina, the goddess of wine and health the base of this blend is the revered grape, Pinot Noir, with Syrah and Zinfandel to give the wine a distinctive twist. It all adds up to a luscious, juicy, easy-drinking mouthful of red wine that's both bright and vibrant yet round and soft.  Great with gourmet pizza, BBQ, Mediterranean.