Small Splurge: More Delicious Summer Wines

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed)
Jul 6th 2009 at 4:01PM

Click Wine Group, a privately held, Seattle-based company that owns and imports wine from around the world, features a great selection of recession-friendly vintages with average prices of between $10 - $13. Their Global Wine Collection consists of signature varietals from world-class appellations with easy to pronounce (and sometimes amusing) names and appealing, consumer friendly packaging aimed at taking the intimidation out of wine. They have something for virtually every palate and summertime occasion.

Fat Bastard Chardonnay:

To craft Fat Bastard Chardonnay, grapes are sourced from all over France's Languedoc-Roussillon region. The golden yellow wine with pale-green tints has expressive stone-fruit aromas with soft floral undertones and well-balanced citrus and acacia notes. Soft oak gives warmth and balance to the palate. Serve with fresh crab or shrimp, or with a roasted pork tenderloin and vegetables. Try also: Rosé.

2 Up Shiraz:

Named for a popular game of chance in Australia, 2 Up is an elegant, intense and exceptional quality Shiraz that is hand-crafted from a blend of grapes carefully selected from highly prized local vineyards. According to Robert Parker of the Wine Advocate, 2 Up represents "the type of wine value that simply can't be found in California." Goes well with Italian dishes, ribs, and grilled meats such as aged beef and lamb.

Root: 1 Cabernet Sauvignon:

Chile is one of the very few grape growing regions in the world where original European rootstocks have survived, producing the intense fruit flavor and authentic varietal character of Root: 1 wines. Rich ruby color with aromas of ripe berries and soft plum are followed by tastes of black cherry, soft vanilla and dark chocolate characterize their Cabernet. Artfully accompanies grilled meats, ripe cheeses, Italian and Mediterranean cuisine and chocolate. Try also: Chardonnay.

Clean Slate Riesling:

A refreshing and perfectly balanced Riesling from Mosel, Germany. On the steep slate hills above the winding Mosel River grow historic Riesling vines producing a crisp and balanced wine with ripe peach flavors and bracing notes of mineral imparted from the slate soil. Complements a wide variety of food from grilled scallops and poached fish to poultry, ham and roast pork, as well as intensely-flavored Asian dishes.

Flying Fish Merlot:

Flying Fish is crafted from some of the finest vineyards in Washington's Columbia Valley . The well-balanced, fruit-expressive wine demonstrates the outstanding quality of Merlot available from Washington . Juicy and complex with silky cherry, plum and raspberry flavors, a hint of cinnamon and a long, lingering finish. Enjoy with beef, pork , lamb, southern or spicy BBQ sauces and aged cheeses. Try also: Riesling.

High Note Malbec:

High Note's Uco Valley vineyards, high in the Andes foothills of Argentina, enjoy the perfect combination of elements for growing this unique varietal. Intense sunlight, cool temperatures and dry conditions allow the fruit to slowly mature until handpicked for optimal flavor. The result is High Note's brilliant violet color with rich blackberry and black cherry aromas and tastes.

Tags: Argentina, Australia, Chile, Click Wine Group, ClickWineGroup, France, Germany, Robert Parker, RobertParker, Seattle, smallsplurge, Washington, wine