The Top 7 Wines of Summer
According to Sip Sommelier, Avery Genge
Now that summer is officially here, our Sip Sommelier & General Manager Avery Genge has compiled a list of the best wines to sip in the sunshine. But before we dive into Avery's sensational summer selections, here is some information about our wine master himself.
Avery Genge:General Manager and Sommelier at Sip Restaurant & Wine Bar in the Issaquah Highlands
Born and raised in San Diego, Genge moved to Washington in 1989, & went on to study geology at Central Washington University. Avery caught the wine bug 5 years ago, when his wife shared her love of wine with him. Not only did Avery enjoy drinking various wines, he also wanted to know every detail about what he was drinking. He soon began strudying wines, became an official wine maker in 2009, and a Certified Sommelier in 2010.
Sommelier is the French classification for a trained wine professional. The Sommelier has a vast knowledge of wine, can recommend wines to enjoy on their own or paired with food, & is in charge of all proper wine serving rituals in a restaurant. We are fortunate to have Avery's expertise, knowledge, & experience in the restaurant. Ask him any time about any wine & he will have a recommendation that is sure to please!
Genge has taken the Certified Specalist of Wine (CSW) exam and is currently preparing for the intense Advanced Sommelier exam. Recognized by the international wine and spirits industry, these exams test the candidate's knowledge of wine and the key elements within the worlds of wine production and viticulture.
Avery works closely with many local Washington wineries & is dialed in with their winemakers. His latest wine making project is a third vintage for Bainbridge Cellars, major label to be determined, which will draw August 1st.
Avery works closely with many local Washington wineries & is dialed in with their winemakers. His latest wine making project is a third vintage for Bainbridge Cellars, major label to be determined, which will draw August 1st.
So what does a sommelier reach for when he wants a glass of wine? Avery has many favorites, but his current go-to is Ugni Blanc, (an old Italian varital you may recognize as a Trebbiano), from France. He also favors the Thomas "La Crele" Sancerre, a specific style of sauvignon blanc, just as much.
While deciding which wine to sip on this summer, Genge suggests looking at wines that pair well with a broad selection of foods. He also suggests to “Look at wines that express themselves cold or warming, as it's not always easy to keep wine cold in the summer. And don't be afraid to explore the world that is Riesling, or to branch out and experiment with some obscure varietals, like Torrontes, Gruner Veltliner, Ugni Blanc, Trebbiano, Rousanne, and Chablis."
Without further ado, here are Avery's Seven Summer Sips:
1. Efeste, Riesling 2010
Columbia Valley, Washington
This Riesling has an unbelievable sense of balance, opening up with white peach, honeysuckle and a beautiful lift from deeper mineral/slate notes. It passes across the palate with wonderful acidity and texture, finishing with a lovely attack of granny smith apple, mandarin orange, and persimmon.
2. Lenz Moser, Gruner Veltliner 2011
Austria
This classic Gruner is light and fruity with lovely spice overtones. This expressive, fresh, and fun white is uncomplicated and great for any occasion.
3. Chehalem, Pinot Gris 2012
Willamette Valley, Oregon
A very floral, fruity, and pleasantly rich Gris! This wine has flashy gardenia and jasmine flowers upfront, with pink grapefruit, lychee, pineapple, and fresh peach in its fruit-basket. The palate is pretty and mouth-filling, with layers of sweet fruit, slate, tangy acid and an amazing breadth and length that linger after the wine is gone.
4. Fidelitas, Semillon 2010
Columbia Valley, Washington
The 2010 Fidelitas Semillon is an excellent example of the vintage, with bright acidity and loads of fresh fruit. The nose provides lemon, yellow apple and white flowers. All of these are confirmed on the palate with the addition of lemon zest, honey and hints of herbal tones set within a creamy, lingering palate. A versatile pairing wine, this summer white goes especially well with seafood and citrusy white meat or light fair.
5. Thomas & Fils, Sancerre 2010
La Crele, France
A rich Sauvignon bouquet and crisp gooseberry fruit on the palate. This wine is ripe, focused and pure, with a long wet stone-tinged finish.
6. Hudson Shah, Viognier 2008
Columbia Valley, Washington
This Viognier is full bodied and aromatic, and exhales apricot, peach, pear, almond, violets and is round on the palate. This delicate and elegant white is fantastic sunny summer day patio white.
7. NV Roederer Estate, Brut Rose
Anderson Valley, California
The Roederer Estate Brut Rosé [a fun 'almost' white] is full and round with smooth flavors and fine persistent bubbles. The extra measure of Chardonnay contributes elegance and austerity, which balance nicely with the delicate fruitiness of the Pinot Noir.
All of Avery's 7 summer wine suggestions are available on our every day list,
either by the bottle, the glass, or in our wine flights. Cheers!
either by the bottle, the glass, or in our wine flights. Cheers!
