This weekend kicks off the unofficial 'official' start of summer. As a seasonal drinker, this means my weekend will be filled with light-bodied, refreshing wines served cold (yes, even reds). A long summer weekend beckons for true 'vins de soif', or wines of thirst - a French term that perfectly encapsulates these four wines.
Each are unique, characterful, and expertly crafted by dedicated vigneron(ne)s, but they don't take themselves too seriously. Wines that are packed with crisp, refreshing flavors yet are extremely easy and fun to drink. From an Italian frizzante to a California Gamay, each bottle is guaranteed to pair perfectly with any and all manner of summer weekend activities. |
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Mirco Mariotti 'Smarazen' Bianco Frizzante 2024 $24.99
Mirco Mariotti hails from the far eastern coast of Emilia-Romagna, on the shores of the Adriatic. 'Smarazen' comes from sandy soils just 300 meters from the ocean and is made of a 70/30 mix of Trebbiano and Malvasia. Fermented with native yeast, and bottled just before completion, trapping CO2 and creating just the right amount of exuberant fizz.
Fresh and full of energy, there's a blend of honeydew, tangerine and white pepper lifted by a sparkling, low-pressure mousse. The palate is slightly tangy, saline and lively, with crisp lemon acidity. Mirco refers to all of his wines as beach wines, and that's exactly how we'd recommend it. Fresh from the cooler, paired with a nice breeze from the sea.
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Sables Verts, Saumur Blanc 2023 $32.99
Sables Verts is a young domaine, but one we've been watching closely. Their Saumur blanc comes from several parcels of Chenin Blanc that all have classic Loire tuffeau soils. They work organically and always harvest manually. Vinified with minimal intervention, the wine ferments and ages in neutral oak barrels for just under a year, followed by a month in stainless steel and then bottling.
Classic Saumur Chenin, the nose is a bouquet of bright peach, green pear and gravelly minerality with a hint of Chenin wool. The palate is textbook and polished, with green apple, quince and fresh cut lemon raciness. There's wonderful texture to balance the crisp acidity, but not too much as to weight the wine down. This is an old-school French white that's perfect for a warm evening filled with fresh salads and grilled chicken.
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Gavoty 'La Cigale' Vin de Pays du Var 2024 $23.99
Gavoty is a family estate dating back to 1806, today farmed by Roselyn Gavoty. This 'Cigale' rosé comes from several hectares scattered across the outskirts of Provence known as the Pays du Var. Equal parts Cinsault and Grenache, there's a bit of Carignan and just a touch of Syrah to round out the blend.
With only a scant few hours on the skins, this rosé comes out a beautiful, classic blush. A subtle and elegant style with aromas of watermelon, salted cherries and juicy pomegranate. The palate is suave and supple, supported by crisp, red citrus freshness and chalky minerality. A delightful aperitif, this is quintessential Provence.
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Âmevive, Santa Barbara Gamay 2024 $34.99
Alice Anderson and her partner Christopher de Felice have built a bastion for regenerative farming and biodiversity in Santa Barbara. This biodynamically grown Gamay is sourced from three clones planted in the Los Alamos valley on sandy soils. Fermented using whole bunches, then aged in used French oak barrels before bottling.
A flawless combination of savory spice and juicy fruit, this comes off as the perfect mix of new and old world. There's ripe cherry and satsuma plum as bright as the California sun, but with with herbal depth, piquant peppery notes and tart acidity. Gentle tannins and crisp acidity neatly frame all the bouyant flavor. Light enough to enjoy on its own, its a match made in heaven with anything grilled.
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4-Pack Price - $116.96
*SPECIAL NEWSLETTER PRICE - $105.26
To order, reply directly to this email or call me at 843.576.4845
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Justin Coleman
Proprietor
Monarch Wine Merchants |
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