Written by Michael Bray, featured in The Press of Atlantic City June 22 2016

Summer at the shore is one of my favorite times of the year, and it all comes down to weather and wine. For everyone from beginners to serious oenophiles, the change in weather is an opportunity to experience a wine or varietal that is more congruent with the season. Whether you’re in your local wine store or favorite restaurant, check out the some of these summer styles:

Drink Rose. Yes, the pink stuff and no, white zinfandel does not count. Rose is a dry wine, served chilled, that most commonly gets its color through skin contact in a process known as maceration. Rose is made in just about every wine producing region in the world. Where should you begin? Anywhere. France, Italy … or if you’re feeling adventurous, try Macedonia. Adam Stromfeld of Joe Canals in Egg Harbor Township says the hottest rose presently is La Croix Du Prieur Cotes de Provence 2015 at $16.99. If you’re someone who only drinks the “big 3” — pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc or chardonnay — ask your merchant or sommelier for a rose with similar characteristics to help aclimate you to this lovely wine. While rose is certainly not a new trend, I am blown away with the quality and variety of wine being produced today.

Drink Muscadet. This is a dry white wine from Loire Valley in France on the central western coast. The key point to remember: “old world” wines are labeled by place; “new world” wines refer to a grape variety. So in this case, Muscadet refers to the place or the “appellation,” whereas the grape variety is melon de Bourgogne. Look for hints of apple, citrus and a kiss of their maritime influence, in other words, saltiness. Most commonly paired with seafood, its “sur lie” aging — just a fancy wine term that makes a wine creamier, fuller and richer — allows it to pair beautifully with lighter chicken dishes, pastas and roasted vegetables. A key producer I’ve grown to love is Domaine du Haut Bourg. The current vintage is 2014 and retails for $11.99 at Passion Vines in Egg Harbor Township. Haut Bourg also serves as an excellent example of the age-ability of Muscadet. I spoke to Cookie Till, owner of Steve & Cookies in Margate, and she’ll have the 2005 vintage available by Haut Bourg on her list for summer.

Drink Vermentino. If you’re looking for alternatives to break out of your pinot grigio “wine rut,” try Vermentino. Traditionally, this thin-skinned grape thrives in Italy and the island of Sardinia. However, upon talking with Ryan Bray, general manager of Knife & Fork Inn in Atlantic City, he was quick to highlight a California wine called Ryme Cellars Vermentino Hers Carneros. This is a husband-and-wife team handcrafts Italian varietals in California. The result is traditional Vermentino with refreshing acidity, beautiful floral aromatics and a touch of saline minerality, making it a stunning match with shellfish or antipasti. With only 258 cases produced, it won’t last long.

With more than 10,000 wine grape varieties in the world, I encourage you to venture out and drink different this season.

Cheers!

Michael Bray is the founder of Passion Vines Wine & Spirit Company in Somers Point and Egg Harbor Township. He has an incredible passion for the world of wine. Over time, he and his team have turned Passion Vines into a full-service, award-winning liquor store that specializes in the world’s greatest wines, spirits and beer. Have any questions or comments, email Bray at Michael@passionvines.com.