10 wines for late summer sipping
Soak in the last days of summer with these 10 delightful selections from our wine list. From crisp and refreshing whites to fuller-bodied and comforting reds, these wines will help you transition from warm summer days to brisk and cool fall nights. A merchant link is provided if you’re in the Chicagoland area*. In the event we were not able to find a local merchant, we included an appropriate alternative. Download a handy one-sheeter here to keep on file for your next shopping trip.
RH Coutier ‘Cuvee Tradition’, Ambonnay, Champagne, France NV
Fantastic value for under $60 a bottle. Produced from 100% Chardonnay grapes from the Grand Cru village of Ambonnay, a village known almost exclusively for its Pinot Noir based wines. This is a gorgeous Champagne with notes of lemon curd balanced with notes of brioche and honeycomb.
Andre Clouet ‘Rose No. 3’ Grand Cru Brut, Champagne, France NV
Another excellent value for under $60. 100% Pinot Noir. Blanc de Noirs. This rosé showcases some fruit from the village of Ambonnay in addition to Bouzy. Appealing pink hue with notes of strawberries and tangy red fruits. We can’t get enough of this!
Turley Wine Cellars Zinfandel Rose, California 2022
Turley designates a selection of Zinfandel vines to pick early to make this vivid, dry rosé. Pale rose petals and fraise du bois with a touch of petrichor on the nose. The palate is zippy, low in alcohol (11.6%), well-structured and thoroughly refreshing. This playful rose is now as iconic as their legendary red Zins.
Virna Borgogno Timorasso, Piedmont, Italy 2021
Virna Borgogno was the first woman in Italy to earn a degree in Oenology. Timorasso is an ancient Piedmontese grape variety that was on the verge of extinction in the 1980s. On the nose fruity scents of pear and peach, with floral aromas of acacia, honey and hawthorn. Timorosso reminds me somewhat of Chenin Blanc and is an excellent pairing for fall fare such as butternut squash. One taste and you'll see why it's a cult hit amongst American Sommeliers. If you can’t find Virna’s Timorasso, La Spinetta’s is also quite delicious.
Aslina 'Skin Contact' Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch, South Africa 2022
A remarkable skin-contact Chenin Blanc from South Africa's first Black female winemaker Ntsiki Biyela. Partial skin contact for 8 days; medium bodied and dry, complex and nutty with layers of orange rind, ripe pear, tea, and flowers, with balanced acid, soft edges, and a full finish. Slight tannic grip but refreshing! The Aslina Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are worth checking out too!
Passopisciaro 'Passorosso' Etna Rosso, Sicily 2019
If you love Pinot Noir, give this Etna Rosso a try. A blend of ancient grapes of Nerello Mascalese from different vineyards located at different altitudes on the northern side of Etna. Minerality comes from the volcanic soils typical of this region. A staff favorite! If you can’t find this one, the Benanti is a good alternative.
Burn Cottage 'Moonlight Race' Central Otago, New Zealand 2021
Discover Ted Lemon’s biodynamic project in Pisa-Central Otago (South Island) New Zealand. Made from a combination of the two sites that produces a vibrant expression of classic Central Otago Pinot Noir. Wonderful savory and herb tones are supported by spice, red fruit, pepper and mineral complexity. Only about 350 cases were imported for the US market.
Ridge Petite Sirah, Lytton Springs, Dry Creek Valley 2020
The first Ridge Petite Sirah was released in 1971. The varietal offers deep color, firm tannins and peppery spice. We love it with barbecue ribs, Peking duck and hoisin pork buns. Serve it slightly chilled around 55 degrees to highlight the fruit and tame the alcohol.
Bodegas Garzon 'Single Vineyard' Tannat, Uruguay 2018
The property is owned by Argentine businessman Alejandro Bulgheroi who planted a jaw-dropped 240-hectare wine estate on grantitic hillsides near the scenic resort towns of Punta del Este, La Barra and Jose Ignacio. Not a penny was spared in this state-of-the-art winery in an effort to make it the first LEED certified winery outside of North America. Deep purple in color, this Tannat brings forth aromas of red and black fruits and savory spices.
Viña Cobos 'Bramare' Cabernet Sauvignon, Lujan de Cuyo, Argentina 2018
Paul Hobbs, founding partner and winemaker at Viña Cobos, has worked since 1988 in the exploration of the different terroirs of Mendoza. Dark purple in color with aromas of blackberry, cedar, mocha and black currants. We love this as an alternative to pricey Napa Cabs but if you can’t find the Cabernet, their Malbec is pretty fantastic as well.
*Merchant links were sourced via a Google search. We have no affiliation with any of the merchants and do not receive any compensation.