Drink Up!
Independence Day is behind us, and, for the next six weeks, we are into the dog days of summer. These weeks are associated with the sultry heat that follows the rising of the “Dog Star,” Sirius. It is the best time to grab a “porch pounder” wine.
What is a porch pounder? Based on numerous sources, these are typically wine, beer, and other adult beverages that are light-bodied, have pronounced fruit-forward flavors, and are casual and approachable crowd-pleasers. Some definitions also include high acidity, which adds to the crisp, refreshing quality of the drink. Most definitions also suggest that porch pounders are affordable choices that are easier to serve at large gatherings. For the purposes of this article, I will define that as less than $20 retail price. Below are my recommendations for porch pounder wines.
Beginning with white wines, Pinot Grigio is a classic summer choice that meets all of the requirements of a Porch Pounder. Giuliano Rosati Pinot Grigio from the Friuli section of the Veneto in Northern Italy is a very affordable and outstanding choice. Or, try the Cantina Zaccagnini Pinot Grigio from Abruzzo. Both wines are dry, crisp, and refreshing with a nice fruity flavor that makes them true crowd-pleasers.
Sauvignon Blanc wines clearly have the qualities of a good porch pounder. For those who favor New Zealand, try the Babich Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough or the Wild Song Sauvignon Blanc from Hawke’s Bay. Both are excellent, sustainably grown wines. If your preference is French, try Chateau Lamothe Bordeaux Blanc or Roc de l’Abbaye Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley. The French wines tend to be a bit less fruity and drier. From California, my picks are the Cult Sauvignon Blanc from Lodi or the Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc. These American wines are balanced with great acidity, minerality, and fruit flavors and are priced well to be your next Porch Pounder.
If you are seeking a white with a bit more body, I suggest Chenin Blanc. The Painted Wolf Chenin Blanc or the Unorthodox Chenin Blanc from Swartland, South Africa, are perfect porch pounders. These wines have more body than a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, but less than a Chardonnay. The California alternative is the Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc-Viognier. This wine adds a touch of Viognier, which brings a light lemon flavor. If you haven’t tried Chenin Blanc, the time is now.
Who says you have to put away reds for the summer? Not me! Reds definitely have a place on the porch. Pinot Noir is a great summer choice due to its lighter-bodied nature. The Thevenet Fils Macon Pierreclos Rogue Pinot Noir is an affordable and easy-drinking wine that will impress your porch-mates. It is also from the birthplace of the varietal: Burgundy, France. Alternatively, the Montinore Estates Borealis from the Willamette Valley in Oregon is a great example of why Oregon’s Pinot Noir is also world-class. Castle Rock Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is also an incredible and affordable demonstration of a Sonoma Valley Pinot Noir.
Another light-bodied, and often forgotten, red is Gamay. The wines made from this grape are very elegant and slightly more fruit-forward than Pinot Noir. L. Tramier & Fils Beaujolais Villages from Beaujolais, France, or the Chidaine Touraine Gamay from the Loire Valley, France, are both great examples at an affordable price. Gamay wines are chillable, making them even more attractive as a porch pounder during the heat of summer.
For a more full-bodied red, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are always good, but red blends are, in my opinion, the real Porch Pounders in this category. Bordeaux, France, arguably produces the best red blends in the world. Bordeaux reds include the two varietals listed above and often blend in Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and/or Petit Verdot to enhance the flavor profile and character of the wine. While many Bordeaux red blends are pricey, I have a few excellent wines that qualify as porch pounders. Chateau Haut Grignon Bordeaux Rouge from the Medoc region of Bordeaux is an awesome blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and a touch of Petit Verdot. Château Carbonneau Séquoia Bordeaux from Sainte-Foy is Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Malbec blended to perfection. Finally, La Griffe De Barreyres Bordeaux from Medoc is dominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot and Cabernet Franc. French red blends tend to be lighter and less tannic than the California reds, making them a great summer alternative.
The two California reds I enjoy as porch pounders are Zinfandel and Petite Sirah. The OZV Old Vine Zinfandel from Lodi is dry but fruit-forward, making it a crowd-pleaser for red lovers. Lesser-known is Petite Sirah. The Old Soul Petite Sirah from Lodi is one of the easiest drinking dry red wines for summer. These wines are perfect for summer grilling or just sitting by the firepit on a breezy summer evening.
Rosé wines are a popular choice for the summer and cannot be left out of this article. There are many great options, but a few of my favorite picks for a porch pounder include the Gratsi Rosé boxed wine and the Avaline Rosé from Southern France. I have recommended Gratsi to many customers already this season, and each has come back for more. I even have a box in my fridge as I type! The Avaline Rosé is very good, is 100% organic, and contains no chemical pesticides or additives. Another option is the Lionel Osmin La Vie En Rosé for an excellent and very affordable wine that will not disappoint. Finally, the Pascual Toso Brut Rosé is a light, sparkling brut rosé from Argentina, made from Chardonnay and Malbec grapes. All of these wines are light, crisp, and fresh, with prices that make celebrating the dog days of summer a bit easier.
As always, contact me with any questions at dsetley@passionvines.com or stop into the Passion Vines store. Until next time, happy wining!
David Setley is enjoying his retirement from higher education as a wine educator and certified sommelier at Passion Vines in Somers Point, New Jersey.
