Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that the next few days will be a scorcher with possible triple-digit temps. Not to sound like an overzealous newscaster, but I am going to advise the following: Stock your fridge with chilled wines. I suggest looking to sparkling wines from Spain, which typically cost less than $12 each (read: excellent value) and offer crisp, intriguing flavor notes.
Segura Viudas Brut Reserva (Penedes, Spain, $10) expresses crisp, snappy flavors (lime and pineapple) and not an overload of fruit, resulting in a very approachable palate. (www.seguraviudasusa.com)
Freixenet “Cordon Rosado” Brut (Spain, $12) is a pretty pink in the glass with wild-strawberry notes and a clean, almost silky, finish. (www.freixenetusa.com)
Freixenet “Cordon Negro” Brut (Spain, $12), although slightly dry, is full of juicy red-apple notes and its finish lingers on the palate. (www.freixenetusa.com)
Segura Viudas Brut Rosé (Alt Penedes, Spain, $10) coasts into a creamy finish after vegetal notes accented by cherries and wild strawberries. (www.seguraviudasusa.com)
WINE EVENT OF THE WEEK
Several years ago I popped into Blackbird Vineyards’ tasting room – really, an adorable little historic home – on Oak Knoll Avenue, off Napa’s Silverado Trail. I was greeted by a French bulldog and winery owner Paul Leary himself. Soon after, Blackbird Vineyards’ was a cult winery, with many of the wines sold out or available in just a few states. Mason Street Grill is hosting a wine dinner Friday night, hosted by Leary, where each of the five courses will be paired with a Blackbird Vineyards’ wine. To reserve a spot, dial the restaurant at 414-298-3131. The $95 fee includes the wine pairings.
WINE DEAL OF THE WEEK
Have you seen the “Posters of Paris: Toulouse-Lautrec and His Contemporaries” exhibit at the Milwaukee Art Museum yet? If your answer is non then you might want to take advantage of this offer. The museum and Thief Wine Shop & Bar just announced a special promotion that’s parfait for wine lovers. Beginning Friday, simply sip a special “Posters of Paris” flight of wines at Thief Wine (both the Shorewood and Milwaukee Public Market locations) through the end of July and receive $3-off exhibit admission. While what’s in the flight will rotate, it will always be a white, red and rosé wine, says Thief.
WINE OF THE WEEK
Marlborough, New Zealand, is often known for putting out zippy Sauvignon Blanc. From one of the most storied producers is a Pinot Noir: 2010 Kim Crawford Pinot Noir (Marlborough, New Zealand, $19) is a bright, lighter-bodied style perfect for summer with a soft, lengthy finish and supple notes of strawberries and cherries laced with spice and oak. (www.kimcrawfordwines.co.nz)
