The Key to Summer Sippin': William Chris Vineyards

It has been months of quarantine for many of us, but summer fun and sippin' doesn't have to be cancelled. We've got the key to enjoying a cool summer at-home with William Chris Vineyards' Skeleton Key, Proprietors White 2019. A decade ago, when owners Bill and Chris began their journey in the heart of Texas Hill Country, they found a skeleton key on the estate of soon-to-be William Chris Vineyards which they say unlocked their passion for Texas winemaking. Fast forward to today, and the widely popular Texas vineyard is producing world-class wine. The vineyard is mostly known for an impressive lineup of red wines made from grapes in West Texas and Hill Country. The Skeleton Key white varietal is easily one of the least intimidating wines from the brand.

The Skeleton Key 2019 Proprietors White, young in vintage, is blended perfectly to achieve a natural acidicity. William Chris has been perfecting this varietal for years relying on a blend of grapes that grow exceptionally well in the humid and summer Texas heat. Aged in French oak barrels the Rousanne grape originally from the Rhone Valley, used as a base, produces an aromatic wine. The skins create a beautiful golden amber hue that shines bright like a sunny afternoon in the city. I appreciate easy-drinking wines like the Skeleton Key, because it reminds you that wine doesn't have to be intimidating to enjoy. On the nose a scent of goldenberry, green tea and sweet pineapple. I even taste some citrus on the finish. This is a wine that will appeal to any wine-o, especially one with a white wine preference. It's fresh, beautiful and ready to enjoy for any occasion.

How to Enjoy: Chilled, enjoyed at sunset in the backyard, with friends or poolside. I personally paired this blend with a shrimp ceasar salad for dinner one evening, but I think it would be good with a cream-based pasta or grilled chicken and veggies. I mostly prefer lighter dishes that compliment the healthy bit of sweetness in the wine. This is a refreshing wine meant to be consumed during any celebration. It’s desirable to cool off after a long day hanging out in the sun.

Where to Find: William Chris wines are available in some area HEB stores and higher end grocery retailers like Whole Foods and Central Market here in Texas, or you can purchase a bottle or two on www.williamchriswines.com; $20.

You Had Me At Rosé: La Fete du Rosé

“I like South Beach, but I'm in St. Tropez/Ya'll drink Dom, but not Rosé”- Jay-Z

With over a decade of experience in the wine industry, Donae Burston, owner of La Fete du Rosé, a black-owned wine brand created out of the necessity for representation within an industry that far too often overlooks black wine enthusiasts. The truth is, Black Americans can reshape certain markets with their buying power, if brands understood our value as consumers. With a passion for well-made wines and travel, the Baltimore native inked a partnership with Domaine Bertaud Belieu, a more than 65 acre vineyard located in the heart of the French Riveria in Saint Tropez. St. Tropez has been a dream destination of mine since It became the vacation hotspot for the hip-hop culture. The region Cotes de Provence, infamously known for its luscious Rosé wines is actually known for a variety of grape varietals from Grenache to Mourvèdre (reds) and Bourboulenc to Semillion (whites). The soil, climate and notable winemaking traditions make Southeastern France the destination for top-notch rosé wines. In celebration of National Rose Day we’re sharing our tasting notes, pairing tips and the perfect summer cocktail to rosé all day!

The Notes: The elegant salmon pink hue shines as bright as the rose gold found on the bottle’s label. I love that this wine felt effortless to drink with ripe red fruit forward and hazlenut notes. Aromas of sweet cherry and strawberry fill the nose while the balanced flavors have a long and smooth finish on the palate. It’s comprised of 80% Grenache, 14% Mourvèdre, 6% Syrah, which are all red grapes known to grow well in the Provence appellation.

The Pairings: Rosé works well with a wide variety of dishes, but I prefer it with salmon, grilled burgers and spicy foods which stand up to the rosé’s complex flavors. It even compliments simple dishes like BBQ and pizza. In recent years its become the party essential for Sunday brunch, girls’ night in and a chill day poolside. La Fete du Rosé is the type of wine that can elevate any meal and be sipped alone on any occasion. Play off the palate notes and add a splash to your favorite summer cocktail recipe.

The Recipe: As this year promises to be a hot one, the Rosé Fresco is the perfect summer cocktail to cool down with after a long day soaking up the afternoon sun. It’s flirty and fruity, and simple enough to make at home with a few ingredients listed below. Bottles of La Fete du Rosé can be purchased HERE for $25 each with free shipping for three or more bottles. Try to go with a fruit forward rosé from the Provence region for this recipe in substitute of La Fete du Rosé, while you’re awaiting your shipment. If you’re looking for a fun way to kick off the weekend, I hope you give it a try!

Rosé Fresco ( Named by one of our wine-o’s @Dee_pixiestixz)

1 oz Blanco Tequila

.5 oz La Fete du Rosé

.25 oz grapefruit juice

.25 oz fresh lime juice

.25 oz simple syrup

Wedge of Grapefruit and/or rosemary for garnish

Instructions: In a highball glass, add the tequila, grapefruit juice, simple syrup, lime juice, stir to combine, and add ice to fill the glass. Top with rosé. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge or rosemary. Enjoy!