Summer Sips and wines under $20 for Dad
It is HOT out there! Or at least, it is getting there. With the hot hot heat comes a shift in my drinking habits – big bold reds take a back seat to dry rose and fruity, floral whites. But lets face it – the Dad types out there might be loath to be drinkin’ any of that pink stuff. Here, my suggestions for manly reds under $20 that help Dad beat the heat.
Pinot Noir is a natural choice for the discerning dad. This award-winning Pinot Noir from Emerson Vineyards is a great choice, pairing nicely with everything from lamb to pizza.
And check out the winemaker’s tasting notes:
“Clean and expressive scents of sweet currant and kirsch immediately greet the senses, followed by hints of spice, subdued oak, and perfumy, blossomy highlights. A taste reveals an intense, round, hedonistic wine built on flavors of black cherry and currant, giving way to exotic spices, vanilla, smoke, and minerality.”
Exotic spices, vanilla and smoke? Yes, please! At only $19/bottle, this is a great summer wine under $20 for the Dad in the know.
How ’bout a tasty Syrah? I know what you’re thinking… no big, bold reds, man! But this Bonny Doon Vineyard 2005 “Le Pousseur” Syrah, my friends, is a BBQs best friend and you know how Dad likes to BBQ!
From the winemaker’s tasting notes:
“…bacon fat is well in evidence, as is the scent of licorice, anise, wintergreen, violet and spicy elements – white pepper, most notably, juniper, cardamom and sandalwood. I almost neglected to mention the brilliant mineral element herein – mostly in virtue of shy-yielding grapes. The texture is particularly noteworthy, with melted, creamy tannins and a very silky finish.”
I see some of Dad’s fave flavors in there – what Dad doesn’t love bacon?! This is an impressive wine at any price point, but at $18/bottle, this wine will save you a speech from ol’ Pops about saving for the future.
Here’s a wine that is both frugal and environmentally friendly… Parducci Wine Cellars 2005 Sustainable Red. Parducci Wine Cellars makes wines that are produced sustainably because it’s the right thing to do – wines with a conscience. Dad taught you right and wrong – show him you learned your lessons with an ethical wine choice.
You know what else Dad loves? A winner – and this baby took 2nd at the Light New World Red Wine Under $15 competition (”Good game, sport!”).
A snippet of the tasting notes:
“A flavorful blend of sustainably grown Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Primitivo, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Viognier grapes from Mendocino County. Parducci Sustainable Red has berry fruit flavors and spicy complexities. Enjoy this robust dry red wine with pasta, pizza, grilled, and flavorful cheeses.”
At a mere $10.99/bottle, this is a bottle of wine that will satisfy picky Pops year ’round, but its so good with the grill its a natural fit for summer time sips.
So, make Dad proud this Father’s Day, skip the cheesy Hallmark card and pour him a glass!
