The What’s Cookin’ Wine Picks this month come from Kitty Malloy of The Martignetti Companies, one of the leading suppliers of wine and spirits in New England.
Summer to me means friends, barbecues, beach, golf and of course WINE. So my mission is to offer you some great summer wine suggestions and great places where you can to taste them.
J. Lohr Estates Wildflower Valdiguie, Monterey, California
The Valdiguie grape produces a wine reminiscent of Beaujolais. It’s delicate and soft, smells of fresh boysenberries, and makes you want to drink the whole bottle. This is favorite for the beach or boating and you must serve this wine chilled to enjoy its full flavor. Trust me when I tell you to serve it chilled, you will thank me and so will your friends. Enjoy this wine with my friends at the Green Monkey in Portsmouth either by the glass or made into refreshing Sangria (just mix with Cointreau and some fresh fruit and you can make this at home yourself). Enjoy this with grilled fish or your favorite burger. Stop by and visit Win at South St & Vine for a bottle, I’m sure he can get you one.
Bogle Riesling, California
This is great new wine from Bogle Vineyards that is crisp and fresh with green apple and pear flavors. Riesling is becoming a new favorite-- it just matches so well with my sushi tuna and wasabi-- or any Asian food for that matter.
My favorite place to drink this would be with the singing sensation Robbie Leblanc (our favorite Bogle rep) who happens to be appearing at the Winnipesaukee Wine Festival June 24 in Meredith, New Hampshire, or at the pre-festival party held on June 23 at Common Man’s Town Docks where Robbie will be belting out the tunes all night! You can purchase this wine at LaCave a Vin in Exeter, New Hampshire.
Seghesio Arneis, Russian River Valley, California
Arneis, (which, translated is “little rascal”) is an Italian white grape originating from Piedmont. I first tasted this wine about 10 years ago and every time I drink it I get a little rascally myself! A great summer wine with crisp lemon, pear and melon flavors. You will be amazed on the richness and long finish that makes you want to pour it all over your fruit salad. Try this amazing wine at Bonta Restaurant in Hampton, New Hampshire with their risotto or seafood dishes. You can purchase this wine from Dave at Ceres St. in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Cave de Turckheim Cuvee Pinot Blanc, Alsace, France
This oak- free wine is the perfect summer drink. Pinot blanc is what they call the white grape cousin of Pinot noir. It offers lots of fresh peaches, apricots, and a touch of honey on the palate. A nice dry finish with a touch of spice will just make you want to lay out on a summer night, stare at the stars and wrap your arms around this bottle. Try this wine on the patio at Cava in Portsmouth, New Hampshire with some tapas.
Colome Torrontes, Salta, Argentina
What great wine they are making in those Andes Mountains! Torrentes is unique to Argentina and between this and malbec they are the fastest growing wine region in the world. So I say jump on the band wagon and try this rich, ripe tropical white wine with a hint of honey. Drink this on the deck at Latitudes at the Wentworth Hotel in Newcastle, New Hampshire or buy a bottle at Philbrick’s Fresh Market for a picnic.
Freakout Luna Vineyards, Napa Valley
You will freak out when you try this exotic white blend of chardonnay, pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc and ribolla gialla which combine to create this mouthwatering wine. Flavors of pear, vanilla and lemon zest make this a unique wine that I’ll bet most of your friends have never tasted. Pick up a bottle at one of the New Hampshire liquor stores and try it with seafood poolside this summer.
Frog’s Leap Zinfandel, Napa Valley
Rich, lush, quaffable and full of ripe berry flavors with that white pepper spice make this the wine to drink at your family barbecue. Don’t be afraid to put a slight chill on your red wines if you are out in the hot sun. Just set it on the ice for about 10 minutes to cool it down and it will be the perfect barbecue wine. Taste this wine with John Williams, Frog’s Leap owner and winemaker on June 17 at Cava from 3-5:30pm or afterwards at a wine dinner at 6:30PM at Bonta in Hampton, New Hampshire.
Wine + Spirits 
The What’s Cookin’ Wine Picks this month come from Kitty Malloy of The Martignetti Companies, one of the leading suppliers of wine and spirits in New England.
