GrapeLines

Wine recommendations for picnics and outdoor concerts.


Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts is a true national treasure. The almost 5 acres of available picnic space, an extensive and wide-ranging performance schedule and a liberal alcohol policy allowing patrons to bring their own wine and beer assures a wonderful experience without the over-charging for beverages found at other concert locations. It is the ideal venue to enjoy wines suited to picnicking in the warmer weather.

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A review of the O’Dwyers Creek Sauvignon Blanc 2010 and the Tullibardine Aged Scotch Whisky.

The rituals associated with wine are nearly as numerous as any religious service. Opening, decanting, swirling, sniffing, tasting, and even spitting follow established patterns and recognized norms. Developed to enhance once sensory appreciation of wine, they have achieved a level of dogma that instills near-paralyzing fear into the uninitiated.

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A review of the Hagafen Sauvignon Blanc 2009 and the Laiphroaig Triple Wood Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

While the quality and diversity of kosher wines have dramatically increased over the past several years, they can still be difficult to find, unless you know where to look.

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A review of the Beckett’s Flat Five Stones Sauvignon Blanc Semillion 2009 and the Maker’s Mark # 46.

The Beckett’s Flat Five Stones Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2009 ($15) is another one of those exceptional varietal marriages that the Australians do so well. A classic white Bordeaux blend, it has also found a home in the Western Australian Margaret River region where this combination of grapes produces a wine with outstanding flavors and character. This Aussie mevushal (boiled) kosher wine is richly aromatic with scents of apples, freshly cut grass and tropical fruit along with lively green apple, gooseberry and pineapple flavors with hints of herbs and lime. The finish is bright and mouth-filling, making it a great summer wine to enjoy with seafood or Asian flavored fare.

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Some summer wine recommendations including Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.

Summer wines should be fruit-filled and complex enough to be interesting without overwhelming the traditional warm weather foods. They certainly need to be chilled, even the red ones, which will bring out their fruit flavors and balance. Here are some suggestions.

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    A review of the Goose Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008 and the story of the Gimlet.   By Joshua E. London and Louis Marmon   Washington Jewish Week  June 29, 2011   An excellent accompaniment to salads, grilled chicken and other light summer fare is the Goose Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008 ($18). [...]

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A review of the Teperberg 1870 Terra Sauvignon Blanc 2010 and the Russell’s Reserve 10 year old Bourbon.

A lovely kosher summer white wine is the Teperberg 1870 Terra Sauvignon Blanc 2010($16). Orange and tropical fruit aromas predominate in this medium-bodied effort that has slightly herbal accents to the grapefruit and lime flavors. It is a perfect accompaniment to light summer fare such as salads, pasta and grilled fish.

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