The (almost) perfect Sunday? Party with friends in a sunny garden, enjoying BBQ and delicious wines.
Spending relaxing time with friends is one of my fav activities. I always bring some bottles of wine to enjoy during the day. I always bring different styles of wines: not only the big bold red wines, perfect with steak but also refreshing, easy drinking alternatives to drink while chatting with friends, with or without food.

Sunday, Friends, and BBQ!

Cristina Mercuri: Sunday, Friends, and BBQ!

As summer rolls in, the allure of the great outdoors becomes harder to ignore. There are few better ways to answer the call than spread out on a blanket at a local park with a sandwich stacked with cold cuts. 

Yes, folks, it’s picnic season. Do you know where your cooler is? You’ll need it for all the wine. 
A good bottle of crisp white wine, a crushable red, or an easy-drinking rosé can elevate any summer picnic. And picking them out doesn’t have to be a pain. There are plenty of options on wine shop shelves that can provide picnic-perfect pours. At The Drop, [we’ve selected our favorites](https://pix.wine/the-drop/picnic-summer-wines/) in our complete picnic planning guide.

The Best Picnic Wines for Summer

Wines from high altitudes have something delicious — because of the high diurnal temperature range, the bright sunshine, and the cooler climate, the skin and pulp of grapes growing in altitude have a higher concentration of color, aromas, and more vibrant acidity that add finesse and nerve to the palate.  This selection expresses the range of styles and qualities of these refined wines!

Altitude Wines

Cristina Mercuri: Altitude Wines

It’s summertime, a perfect time to venture to France's verdant Loire Valley and enjoy a couple of versatile, crowd-pleasing wines ideal for a sizzling barbecue: the Cabernet Franc and Gamay.
First, the elegant Cabernet Franc, a distinctive red that in the Loire is light enough to chill yet hearty enough to hold its own against grilled meats. A touch cooler than its more famous cousin from Bordeaux, the Loire's Cabernet Franc offers aromas of raspberries, violets, and a delightful hint of green bell pepper. With a good zing of acidity and medium tannins, it's the perfect partner for a juicy burger or barbecued chicken. Did you know, here's a fun trivia nugget, that Cabernet Franc is one of the proud parents of the world-renowned Cabernet Sauvignon?
Now let's turn our attention to the Loire's vibrant Gamay. It's light, full of juicy red fruit, and delicious when served slightly chilled. This is a wine that won't overpower your taste buds but rather complements the smoky, savory flavours of your barbecued sausages or grilled veggies. 
So next time you fire up the barbecue, consider pairing the meal with these two gems from the Loire Valley - your taste buds will be rewarded. 

These top-rated wines have been scored and specially selected by 10 expert judges from the 2023 Loire Buyers Selection to let you taste summer in a glass. 

Find out more [https://www.vinsvaldeloire.fr/en/loire-buyers-selection](https://www.vinsvaldeloire.fr/en/loire-buyers-selection)

Loire, Your Go-To BBQ Wine

When summer's scorching sun bears down, fear not the thought of red wine. Instead, embrace the joy of chillable reds from the Loire Valley, whose Gamay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc stand tall as the perfect companions to beat the heat. 
First, the Gamay, with its bright, juicy red fruit and delicate floral notes, dances on the palate like a burst of summer berries. Its light body and vibrant acidity make it ideal for sipping slightly chilled on a balmy afternoon or pairing with grilled seafood. Then we have the Pinot Noir, a red queen of elegance. Its red cherry, raspberry, and earthy tones strike a harmonious chord, rendering it delightful with a slight chill to reveal its many layers. And last but not least the Cabernet Franc, a red that captures the essence of the Loire. With its mix of red fruit, bell pepper, and a touch of spice, it delights when served cool, offering a mellow yet invigorating experience.
These top-rated wines have been scored and specially selected by 10 expert judges from the 2023 Loire Buyers Selection to let you taste summer in a glass.

Find out more [https://www.vinsvaldeloire.fr/en/loire-buyers-selection](https://www.vinsvaldeloire.fr/en/loire-buyers-selection)

Keep Cool this Summer with these Chillable Reds

Did you know that Pix has its own wine discovery magazine, The Drop? Our editors work with award-winning writers from around the globe to highlight fresh discoveries, unexpected values, and trendsetting producers. We feature the most exciting finds from The Drop right here. These are the zeitgeist wines, the best of what people are writing about — and sipping — right now.

Pix Curated Wines: Featured

Featured (b): Written About In The Drop

Stuck in a wine rut? Pix’s Wine Team is here to help with a collection of bottles from the pioneers and mavericks of wine. These selections showcase grapes and styles on the rise. If you’re looking for innovative techniques and new taste experiences, you’ve come to the right place.

Something Completely Different

Surprise (a): And Now For Something Completely Different

There’s a whole wide world of wine to explore. This bottle selection from Pix’s Wine Team showcases wines from some of the most innovative and respected producers in emerging regions — from England to Uruguay. Consider these the new classics; our insider’s pick of what to try right now.

New Classics From Around The World

Discover (b): New Classics From Around The World

Pix’s Wine Team is always on the lookout for esteemed bottles to hold and save. So when top offers pop onto our radar, this is where they’ll appear — be sure to check back often. Expect benchmark wines from the world’s most acclaimed producers, alongside unbelievable steals that we’re excited to share. Any of these bottles are an excellent addition to a cellar — and perfect for a special occasion.

Classic Wines to Keep for a While

Collect (b): Classic Wines To Keep For A While

Whispering Angel is todays worldwide reference for Provence rose. Made from Grenache, Cinsault and Rolle (Vermentino), its pale color is pleasing to the eye and draws one in. The rewarding taste profile is full and lush while being bone dry with a smooth finish.  Highly approachable and enjoyable with a broad range of cuisine.

Chateau d'Esclans Whispering Angel Rose 750ml

Kung Fu Girl Riesling White Wine is a vibrant dry riesling with shimmering aromas and flavors of white peach, mandarin orange and apricot. Crafted with fruit grown in vineyards in the Columbia Valley region of Washington state, this Kung Fu Girl wine is made with 100% riesling grapes. With a medium body and a crisp finish. this table white wine is ideal for pairing with fresh seafood, duck, pork and Chinese and Thai food. For best quality, chill this crisp white wine in the refrigerator for two to two and a half hours before serving at about 50 degrees.

Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Riesling 750ml

"An elegant Champagne, tightly meshed and almost restrained up front, yet flavors of ripe black raspberry, toast, candied lemon zest and graphite slowly expand on the palate, caressed by the silky texture of the mousse. A spine of racy acidity drives the spiced finish." 92ws

Bollinger Champagne Brut Special Cuvee 750ml

This Wine Has A Massive Array Of Flavors And Awesome Intensity But The Thing That Really Finishes The Wine Off Is The Creamy Layers And Smooth Mouth Feel Its So Voluptuous Peter And Andrew Sweet Multi Layered Fruit Chocolate Fresh Plum A Complete Flavor Spectrum

Mollydooker Shiraz Boxer 1516

Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve Napa Valley 750ml

2021 Landmark Vineyards Overlook Chardonnay 750

Soft Delicate Salmon Pink Color On The Nose Subtle Hints Of Peach Rose Petal Watermelon And Tropical Fruit The Palate Shows Dry Round And Full Finesse With Notes Of Fresh Berries A Great Rosé To Enjoy On Its Own Or With A Wide Range Of Appetizers Fish Poultry Dishes And Vegetarian Fare

Jean Lau Colombo Rose

REGION: Marlborough/New Zealand   VARIETAL: Sauvignon Blanc  NOTES: This is a bright and zingy wine with brilliant flare of lemon, lime, mineral and pear flavors keeps dancing as the finish rolls on and on. An expressive style that finds the elusive balance between racy acidity and expressive fruit.  FOOD PAIRING: Salade de Chevre Chaud

Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand Marlborough 750ml

Intense, deep red color with purple edges. Expressive and intense nose with cassis and black currant aromas. Elegant palate with round and persistent tannins, with fresh cherry along with a light toast flavor.  Pairs well with high vored dishes as lamb shank with herbs or pork fillet with mustard and honey.

Lapostolle Cuvee Alexandre Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml

92 points James Suckling: "Plums, cherry stones, button mushrooms, white pepper and bark on the nose. Lemon and cardamom too. Medium-bodied with vibrant acidity and fine, powdery tannins. Savory. " (06/2022) 

91 points Vinous: "The 2020 Chianti Classico Berardenga is a classic Fèlsina wine. It can be enjoyed now or cellared for 10-15 years. Classic Fèlsina savory, floral and tobacco accents play off a core of sweet Sangiovese fruit. This heady, strapping wine has a ton to offer. Time in the glass brings out gorgeous aromatic presence. (AG)" (06/2022) 

91 points Wine & Spirits: "Raspy tannins frame flavors of tart red-cherry and fire-roasted tomato, those tannins flecked with notes of dried oregano and baked earth. For tomato-based dishes." (02/2023) 

91 points Wine Spectator: "A charming, harmonious Chianti Classico, this exudes cherry, plum and thyme flavors, with elements of earth and mineral. Delivers dense tannins that exert influence on the finish, yet this remains balanced. Drink now through 2028. (BS)" (09/2022) 

91 points Jeb Dunnuck: "A pure and open wine out of the gate, the 2020 Chianti Classico Berardenga is fresh with aromas of pine sap, anise, and cherry lozenge. Medium bodied with fine tannin and a modest but refreshing finish, this is a fantastic entry point for the Felsina range, for casual drinking with braised meats or Bolognese. " (01/2023) 

90 points Decanter: "In the commune of Castelnuovo Berardenga, Fèlsina’s expansive vineyards are at the luminous southeastern tip of Chianti Classico. The Berardenga label represents a plentiful annual production of 250,000 bottles. On first impression, the 2020 is overtly ripe, yet with time prune cake and vanilla notes subside, allowing wild herb and savoury nuances to step in. The chewy tannins are long and supple, with ample fruit density to balance. (MM)" (03/2022)

2020 Fèlsina Berardenga Chianti Classico

This sophisticated dry Rose has aromas of raspberry and orange blossom with delightful acidity and a mouthwatering fresh stone fruit and citrus palate. Blend: 45% Pinot Noir, 32% Merlot, 9% Zinfandel, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Malbec

McBride Sisters Black Girl Magic Rose 750ml

Qupe Syrah Bien Nacido Reserve 1997

Pierre Peters Cuvee de Reserve Brut Champagne - 750ml

Intense Fruitypowdery Bouquet With Scents Of Strawberry Redcurrant And Lychee In Addition Honeydew Melon And Dried Pineapple On The Palate Perceptible Pleasant Sweetness Juicy Acidity Citrus Notes White Stone Fruit And Apple Pleasantly Fine Mousse Medium Long Finish

Kylie Minogue Prosecco Rose

Elegant and fruity, with bright floral and grapefruit aromas and an underlying hint of spice, this wine owes its intensity of flavour to the effect of high altitude vineyards and a longer growing season.

Colome Estate Torrontes 750ml

William Fevre Chablis 750ml

Saturated magenta. Displays expressive red and dark berry, smoked meat, olive and floral qualities on the spice-accented nose. Sappy and penetrating on the palate, offering gently sweet cherry-cola, blackberry and baking spice flavors that show fine detail and a mineral, back-end lift. Finishes very long and subtly chewy, with repeating smokiness, harmonious tannins and strong persistence.

Alain Graillot - Crozes-hermitage 2020 (750ml)

Notes of green apple, lime leaf, grass, white blossoms, and grapefruit rind. It has beautiful complexity and surprising depth. Extended time on the lees gives this wine a unique, lingering, silky finish. A fantastic alternative to New Zealand style Sauvignon Blancs. Aslina is a wine company owned by Ntsiki Biyela, the first black woman winemaker in South Africa. She is a highly awarded winemaker, and in September 2017 was named among the Most Innovative Women in Food & Drink, by a joint effort of Food & Wine Magazine with Fortune Magazine. Aslina is the name of her late grandmother who was, and remains, her inspiration. She grew up in Mahlabathini, a rural village in Kwazulu Natal, and matriculated from high school in 1996. Having spent a year as a domestic worker, she was awarded a scholarship to study winemaking in 1999 at Stellenbosch University with one catch: she had to study winemaking, and her coursework would be in Afrikaans, a language she did not speak. .

Aslina Sauvignon Blanc Stellenbosch 750ml

Cherry Red Plum And Currant Flavors Are Ripe And Juicy In This Bright Red Supported By Firm Tannins And Citrusy Acidity That Give Way To A Vanilla And Floralaccented Finish Offers A Fresh Fruit Core With Solid Structure

Condado De Haza Ribera Del Duero

Lovely, expressive notes of juicy grapefruit and ripe pear, toast and oak spice make an appearance but the cask ageing is very well integrated. The overall impression is of a consummate balance between richness and freshness, with another layer of firm underlying acidity too, and the wine lingers enticingly. As consultant Dominique Lafon notes: ‘Our better wines are not the bigger. Our selection is on refinement.’ Drinking Window 2020 - 2030.Decanter | 96 DECThis sleek yet rich wine is packed with ripe citrus, Honeycrisp apple, peach and pineapple tones. Barrel fermented and aged in 40% new oak, it showcases spectacular fruit on the palate that is softened by creamy, lightly toasty barrel flavors.Wine Enthusiast | 95 WEPale yellow. Mineral-accented nectarine, orange, Anjou pear, iodine and white flowers on the intensely perfumed nose. Smooth, fleshy and dry in the mouth, offering concentrated orchard and pit fruit flavors complemented by suggestions of fennel, sweet butter and candied lemon peel. Shows excellent depth as well as energy and finishes minerally, smoky and impressively long, featuring lingering citrus and pit fruit notes. 40% new oak.Vinous Media | 94 VMNo written review provided | 94 W&SA wine that unfurls slowly with impressive results. Multilayered kiwi, green apple and stony mineral accents build structure and richness on a lingering finish. Drink now through 2022. 1,000 cases made.Wine Spectator | 93 WS

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