Wine Dinner By The Shore - Summer 2026

 Marking the summer of 2026 by the Jersey Shore, friends gathered for their annual wine sipping and gastronomical delights tasting affair early in the evening while overlooking the breaking waves and ocean breezes.  As the long-appointed wine steward, I selected an array of crisp, refreshing, and appetite-inducing lighter bodied wines, including a Provencal rosé, two whites - one from the Languedoc, the other from Attica (not the prison!) and a chilled  red, also from Greece.  

The spread of home-crafted hors d'oeuvres, salads and assorted nibbles only enhanced our appreciation of the wines, and included caramelized onion flatbread, a deconstructed Salade Nicoise au Saumon, pepper-stuffed mussels, and cheeses.

We added a special digestivo to top off the evening with dessert as suggested by our hosts.

All wines and the amaro were purchased at Pennsylvania state wine shops, though you may have to peruse the shelves carefully or ask a knowledgeable employee. Indeed, they are somewhat on the fringe of common offerings, so I highly recommend these single varietals and blends to expand your taste profile if you haven't already tried them

Cheers!

Château Sante Roseline Le Cloître 2025

Origin:  Côtes de Provence, Cru Classé, AOP (Appellation d’Origine Protégée)

Varietals: Grenache, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Rolle, Tibouren

Production/Tasting Notes: Organically grown grapes; on the nose, fine fruity notes of juicy peaches, strawberry; persistent and elegant on the palate accented with red berry, peach, lemon, herbs; bright acidity; long finish.

Food Pairing: Fish, white meats, salads

Alcohol:13%

 

Vignobles « La Baume » Picpoul de Pinet 2024

Origin: Picpoul de Pinet (Languedoc) AOP

Varietals: 100% Picpoul Blanc

Production/Tasting Notes: Sharp, invigorating aromas of lime balm, lime leaf, lemon zest, pink grapefruit, white flowers, sea spray; the palate is tense, focused with textural crunch offering up vibrant flavors of citrus and wet stone. (93 points, Wine Enthusiast)

Food  Pairings: Fresh seafood; freshly shucked oysters on the half-shell; delicate fish preparations.

Alcohol: 13%

 

Mylonas Winery Savatiano 2024

Origin: Atiki (Attica) PGI (Protected Geographical Indication); Greece

Varietal: 100% Savatiano

Production/Tasting Notes: Limstone soil; organic; 50-year-old vines; fermented in stainless steel; native yeast; 12 weeks on the lees with bâtonnage; aromas of stone fruit, white flowers; herbal, botanical notes; rich mouthfeel, refreshing acidity, stone fruit; long finish.          

Food Pairing: Poultry, white meats, seafood, cheese tarts, pasta or risotto with asparagus; Asian dishes – noodles, fried rice.

Alcohol:  12.5%

 

Mitravelas Red on Black 2023

Origin: Nemea (Peloponnese) PDO (Protected Designation of Origin), Greece

Varietal: 100% Agiorgitiko

Production/Tasting Notes: Four months in stainless steel, no barrel aging; native yeast inoculation; brambly on the nose with aromas of blackberries, ripe cherries; ripe, soft tannins; juicy, fruity, herbaceous with spice notes of cinnamon, nutmeg; round, youthful; medium-bodied.

Food Pairings: Pizza; grilled meats; light red sauce dishes; moussaka.

Alcohol: 14%

 

Digestivo

Ballotin Very Dark Chocolate Amaro

Production/Tasting Notes: Crafted with dark roasted cocoa nibs infused with botanicals; dark chocolate and caramelized toffee on the nose; mild sweetness with warm spice and bitter herbs up front; herbal notes of licorice, chamomile, angelica root intertwined with notes of rich, dark chocolate; smooth, luscious, round mouthfeel; dark chocolatey finish.

Alcohol: 25%