Summer’s favorite fermented sipper spans a variety of styles, regions, and flavor profiles and for a shockingly low investment

by Neil Shrodo

THROW A SPRITZ
It is summer, after all, thus we highly recommend this wine spritzer in a can from Ramona. Crafted in Italy, the Ruby Grapefruit Spritzer combines zesty ruby red grapefruit with sweet Muscat grapes for a pre made cocktail that is perfect for sitting by the pool on sunny summer days. And bonus, it’s currently on sale a pack of four is only $17.99.

SAMPLING FROM HOME
The onset of the pandemic has made us all change our routines and adapt to working from home and socializing in new ways, and the wine and spirits world is no exception. In an e ort to find new and entertaining ways to teach our customers about wines and spirits, we have begun a series of online tastings with wineries like Volpaia in Chianti and RouteStock in Napa Valley, plus distilleries like Aberlour (Scotland), Misunderstood Whiskey (Jersey City), and James E. Pepper (Kentucky). We have also been hosting mixology and online cocktail classes with Del Maguey Mezcal, Catoctin Creek, and Monkey 47 Gin. Follow Buy Rite on Instagram at @jcbuyrite and @njbuyrite for details on future events.

Super Buy Rite Wine & Liquor, 575 Manila Avenue, Jersey City, 201.239.1200, buyritewines.com

TWO SCHOOLS, OLD AND NEW
Rosés are, quite simply, the perfect summer wine. Whether dry and crisp, sweet and lush, or somewhere in between, they provide a refreshing and delightful way to liven up any summer day – or night! It’s a broad category that crosses an array of styles, grapes, and countries of origin, but Rosé can broadly be divided into two primary schools: the classics and the moderns

The Classics
The classic Rosé is usually a Grenache blend made in or near the Provence region in France. There are, of course, many areas that have been making Rosé for quite a long time, but this region has always been a pioneer in both quality and style, leading the way for many to follow. Some new options worth sampling this summer:

Miraval Rosé, Côtes de Provence
A delicious collaboration between Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie and the famed Famille Perrrin (one of France’s leading wine producing families), this crisp and refreshing wine features aromas of fresh fruit and florals and a lively, complex finish. $19.99 (on sale from $28.99)

Club 44 Rosé, Coteaux d’Aix enProvence
A glorious summer refreshment, Club 44 is made in the hills surrounding the classic wine town of d’Aix en Provence. It’s characterized by fresh flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and watermelon with just a kiss of Provencal herbs on the lip smacking finish. $14.99 (on sale from $17.99)

VieVite Rosé, Côtes de Provence
A blend of equal parts Cinsault, Grenache, and Syrah from 25 year old vines, this delicate wine boasts tropical fruit flavors and aromas, balanced with white flowers and a touch of spice. $15.99 (on sale from $22.99)

The Moderns
The modern school of Rosé is exciting, bringing in new grapes, regions, and styles, and keeping the blush colored variety a vibrant part of the wine landscape. Some recent favorites:

Finca Wölfer Rosé, Argentina
A Malbec based Rosé from Mendoza, made by the Long Island winery Wölfer in the “o season”? Yes, please. Wölfer bought 200 acres in Mendoza and enlisted the aid of Argentine winemaker Susanna Balbo, and the result is superb, offering flavors of citrus fruit and ripe berries, peaches, and a hint of cut grass on the air. $15.99

Pamplune Rosé with Grapefruit, France
Lightly sweet and aromatic, French Rosé mixed with grapefruit juice is a superlative summer aperitif. This wine is incredibly refreshing, pairing the light red fruit flavors of the Rosé with a zesty kick of the grapefruit, and will easily become a go to for brunches and picnics. $9.99