7 Can't-Miss Wine Blends for Summer

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flickr: akash.mehra
The Beauty of The Blend
Summer is a great time to sample blends, which can be robust, fruit-forward, and deeply complex. From red wine blends in France and California to a mix of white wine blends from California, Argentina, and Oregon, explore a California Pinot Grigio, a Chardonnay, and two rosés.
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Cline Family Cellars
2016 Cline Family Cellars Ancient Vines Mourvèdre Rosé
Silky, and light in body, this style of rosé features bright, expressive pomegranate and cherry notes. It’s also approachable to an array of palates. At this value-oriented price point, it’s a nice addition to a wine list whether by the bottle or glass.
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La Crema
2016 La Crema Pinot Noir Rosé, Monterey County, California
Very balanced, watermelon notes on this rosé are matched with a spicy backbone and herbaceous notes, ideal for pairing with food.
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Leese + Fitch
2014 Leese + Fitch Firehouse Red Wine, California
Full in body, the fruit-forward blend—crafted from seven varietals, with Petite Sirah and Syrah the highest percentages—delivers sweet red cherry, milk chocolate, and blackberry notes that intensify near the finish. Leather on the palate is a nice pairing with the wine’s soft profile.
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Swanson Vineyards
2015 Swanson Vineyards Pinot Grigio, Sonoma County, California
Neither too acidic nor too flimsy, this bright and crisp Pinot Grigio expresses notes of Meyer lemon, Asian pear, and cantaloupe. Consider pairing with salads, raw bar items, or poultry.
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Brooks Amycas
2016 Brooks Amycas White Blend, Willamette Valley, Oregon
This blockbuster blend of Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Muscat, Gewürztraminer, and Riesling is highly aromatic and results in white peach notes and a nice effervescence, as well as ample weight.
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Trivento
2016 Trivento White Orchid Torrontés Reserve
Mendoza, Argentina Steely and assertive, this Torrontés carries rose petal and peach notes with some effervescence. With 15 percent Pino Grigio, this wine finishes with a trace of salinity, which makes it a versatile pairing wine that won’t steal attention away from the food—and it’s an incredible value as a by-the-glass offering.
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Cambria Estate Vineyard & Winery
2015 Cambria Estate Vineyard & Winery Clone 4 Chardonnay, Santa Maria Valley, California
Jasmine and nectarine notes make for a fresh and youthful Chardonnay, with enough body to sing when paired with a variety of summertime foods, from vegetables to grilled light meats. An added plus: The winery’s “Seeds of Empowerment” initiative provides grants to female leaders and charitable organizations.

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