When temperatures soar, we recommend switching to wines that are as refreshing as they are tasty.
Nassau Valley Vineyard
Peggy Raley-Ward of Nassau Valley Vineyard, which is marking its 25th anniversary this year, suggests the Cape Rosé, which recently earned a medal at the Indy International Wine Competition.
“Our rosé is a traditional European-style that is laden with big fruit up front but finishes dry,” she says. Pair with seafood, especially shellfish. “It’s perfect with steamed clams, mussels and oysters.”
Nassau Valley Vineyard’s Naked Chardonnay, which earned a gold medal at the International Eastern Competition, is un-oaked. It’s crisp, clean and tangy, she says.
The winery’s Meadow’s Edge White is similar to a medium-dry Reisling but made with a blend of Seyval Blanc and Vidal Blanc. Expect a honey-sweetness up front and a crisp finish.
You don’t need to forgo reds, Nassau Valley’s Laurel’s Red makes a “dynamite” sangria, she says.
32165 Winery Way, Lewes • 645-9463
Salted Vines Vineyard & Winery
If you make a day trip to Salted Vines Vineyard & Winery near Selbyville, try a blush or rosé such as Steuben, Catawba or Fredonia.
32512 Blackwater Road, Frankford • 436-1500
The Brimming Horn Meadery
Don’t forget that mead is wine. It’s just made with honey not grapes. At The Brimming Horn Meadery in Milton, try the semi-sweet Persikka, which is Finish for peach, an integral ingredient. Prefer apples? Golden Cyser contains honey plus fermented apple juice.
28615 Lewes-Georgetown Highway, Milton • 664-1188
Sposato Family Vineyards
Sposato Family Vineyards also has roots in Milton. It’s related to Sposato Landscaping Co. But the vineyard is in Argentina.
Sposato’s Sweet/Fresh Blend will “take care of all of your summer woes,” says Karen Sposato, who travels up and down the Delaware coast for wine tastings and dinners. It’s a mix of Torrontes, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay grapes. (The wine will be known as Fresh Blend with the next shipment.)
“Your mouth with light up with the effervescence,” she says of the wines. “The little bubbles will fill your palate with joy.”
Add fresh orange juice, ice and a squirt of lime to make a Sweet Blend Crush.
Available at most beach liquor stores along Route 1.
