Your Vacation Plans in a Glass of Wine

[Steve Mirsky]

 

Sit back for a moment and imagine yourself in your favorite vacation spot. Whether it’s at your local swimming hole kicking back in a lounger with the ultimate trashy novel or a dream excursion throughout Italy, you deserve some R&R. Here are some wines for wherever your adventures take you:

Butterfly Kiss Pinot Grigio 2011

Sourced from select California vineyards graced with sun-soaked afternoons and cool, fog-shrouded evenings, Pinot Grigio grapes used in this Butterfly Kiss showcase ripe sugars and well-balanced acids springing from underlying citrusy mango.

This nuanced wine's fresh fruit and lively aromatics are made possible by slow fermenting in stainless steel tanks at low temperatures. As a final touch, small quantities of Viognier and Malvasia Bianca are added before bottling to lift the nose with floral notes.

I experienced a smooth even oaky finish with spicy fruitiness across the palate. Starts out easy sipping gradually unfurling like a Windjammer's sail into vigorous multifaceted flavor experiences. Just the right astringency envelops the tongue with hints of spiced oak. Chilling to colder temps. brings out the bouquet and exhibits this wine's fruitier side.

Butterfly Kiss Chardonnay 2010

A large portion of fruit for this Chard comes from vineyards cooled by Pacific coast breezes spiking acidity and crisp flavors. The soft, ripe fruit of Muscat from inland vineyards provides a sweeter balance. Aging is divided between 50% stainless steel, 50% French oak for 9 months.

I was struck by its golden fruit hue with sharp pear on the nose carrying through on the palate. Sharp minerality gives way to silky elegance as the tongue tingles with rich fruit. Spices up as well as rounds out sugars in accompanying dishes making it delightful with sweet BBQ sauces. Playful effervescence from sip to final swallow. I paired it with Genji cucumber avocado rolls which amplified the fresh veggies and soy sauce.

New Harbor Sauvignon Blanc

New Harbor, located at the northern end of New Zealand’s South Island, Marlborough is a long, straight valley cut by major rivers and ringed by the Misty Mountains. Its rugged, boulder-strewn soils are low in nutrients, naturally restraining the vigor of the Sauvignon Blanc yielding intense flavor.

With fresh greens and light blossom on the bouquet, this white pulses with grapefruit and lemon & lime zest complimented by sweet honeysuckle. Tropical guava greets the palate and anchors the lofty floral and mouthwatering citrus. Scallops, shellfish or grilled chicken are all good with this one!

Photos courtesy of Steve Mirsky & thewinebar.com. Coverage resulting from a complimentary tasting.