The sauvignon blanc in New Zealand is pretty much unmistakable in its tropical fruit notes and racy, crisp acidity. The Sileni Cellar Selection fits right in, and has the charm of great balance, bold, lively aromas, a perfect aperitif wine to sip on while you prep the grill and debate whether Hozier is the right music choice to kick off the evening. At $17, it is a bit of a bargain, too.
Minervois is a part of Southern France’s Languedoc-Roussillon region, home of clay and limestone, and some truly great, juicy grenache wines, often blended with a healthy dose of syrah. One of these, well worth seeking out at an enviable price of $19, is Racine. It is a collaboration between Bruno Lafon from Burgundy (who owns Domaine Magellan in Languedoc) and François Chamboissier from Bordeaux. The wine is broodingly dark, with abundant blackberry, red plum, and cherry notes to accompany its overall structure. Delightful. As for Hozier, save that for a little later in the evening, and kick off instead with Lost on the River: The New Basement Tapes.
