Quinta da Lixa Alvarinho "Pouco Comu" Vinho Regional Minho 2012

Formed in 1998, this estate is a compilation of wineries and vineyards. While the best-selling products of this region are always the fresh Vinho Verdes, many of the best grapes are used for cuvées like this pure alvarinho. This is bright, fresh and difficult to put down. This offers lovely citrus notes with a hint of peach and lots of crisp, clean refreshment.

Pigoudet Coteaux d'Aix en Provence AOP Rosé "Première" 2012

While all the excitement takes place along the coast of Provence, the more in-land areas provide the wines that locals and tourists guzzle throughout the summer. The mountainous areas, where Château Pigoudet is located, produce some of the finer wines. The estate dates back to the 16th century, but was purchased in 1992 by Germans Bernhard and Elke Schmidt. It is still a family-run estate; although Bernhard has since died, two generations do all that is needed to run the estate while a team works the vineyard and winemaking side. This lovely rosé is lithe in color, yet offers an abundance of flavor. Savory, mineral fruit notes with a floral, peachy element. Sip this with friends or with a mélange of grilled vegetables.

Accuro Malbec Mendoza 2010 - SUSTAINABLY GROWN

Looking for the season's bbq red? This may just fit the bill. Accuro is produced by Bodegas Andana, owned by Fernando Podesta, a member of the Pulenta family. The vineyards are all family owned from a site called Finca Los Alamos. The vines are 30 years old and all sustainably farmed. Following fermentation, the wine is aged mostly in stainless steel with just 20% in French oak for eight months. Additional bottle age develops a soft, lovely texture with dark fruit flavors. This will be ideal with burgers and steaks straight off the grill.

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