Drink Up!
Independence Day is behind us, and for the next six weeks, we are into the “dog days of summer.” This is the best time to grab a porch pounder wine! These are typically wines that are light-bodied, have pronounced fruit-forward flavors, and are casual, approachable crowd-pleasers. Some have high acidity, which adds to the crisp, refreshing quality of the drink. Porch pounders are usually affordable choices that are easy to serve at large gatherings. For the purposes of this article, I will define porch pounder wines as having a retail price of less than $20. Below are my recommendations.
Vinho Verde is a wine region in northern Portugal that makes wonderfully refreshing, crisp, fresh, relatively low-alcohol white wines that have a slight bit of effervescence. These wines are quintessential porch pounders. This year’s top pick for the summer is Patio Pounder Vinho Verde, a blend of 50% Loureiro, 40% Fernão Pires, and 10% Arinto. Taste the wonderful balance of ripe white peach, apricot and green apple with a touch of salinity. The fact that the Patio Pounder comes in a one-liter bottle makes it the ideal porch pounder.
Pinot Grigio is a classic summer white wine 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, outstanding choice. Alternatively, try the Cora 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 Infamous Goose Sauvignon Blanc Hawkes Bay or the Babich Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough. Both are excellent sustainably-grown wines. If your preference is French, try Turcaud Entre Deux Mers Blanc from Bordeaux 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 Daou Sauvignon Blanc from Paso Robles 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 and the Vinecrafter Blanc from 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 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? Pinot Noir is a great summer choice due to its lighter-bodied nature. The Domaine Altugnac Pinot Noir Les Turitelles Pinot Noir is an affordable and easy-drinking wine that will impress your porch-mates. It is from the birthplace of the varietal: France. Or, the Montinore Estates Borealis from the Willamette Valley in Oregon is a great example of why Oregon’s Pinot Noir is also world-class. Benoni Pinot Noir is also an incredible and affordable demonstration of a Douglas 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, making them the perfect porch pounder. Thevenet Fils Macon Pierreclos Rogue from Burgundy, France, or the Chidaine Touraine Gamay from the Loire Valley of France are both great examples at a very affordable price. Gamay wines are chillable, making them even more attractive as a porch pounder during the heat of summer.
Another under-appreciated red from Italy that makes a perfect porch pounder is Barbera. This grape hails from the Piedmont region in the north of Italy. I have referred to Barbera as the Pinot Noir of Italy. It is light- to medium-bodied with amazing flavor. It is also a chillable red wine, especially in the hot months of summer. Try the Mauro Molino Barbera D’Albai or the Ferraris Barbera D’Asti. At an in-store wine-tasting event, Barbera was voted the most popular porch pounder red wine.
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. Less well-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 very popular choice for the summer. 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, and each has come back for more. 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, Domaine Jaume Côtes du Rhône Rosé from the Côtes du Rhône Rosé of France will add a wonderful touch of elegance to your next summer porch pounder event. All of these wines are light, crisp, and fresh, with prices that make celebrating the dog days of summer a bit easier.
“In vino felicitas” means, “in wine is happiness.” I hope you take a pause this summer to enjoy the company of family and friends, and that these wines will help to bring happiness to your occasion. As always, contact me with any questions at dsetley@passionvines.com or stop into the store. Until next time, grab a porch pounder and 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.
