Those baby blues want you to drink up some white, pink, and red.
To toast the long weekend, we asked wine expert/juice jester Mark Oldman to indulge us with five affordable swigs. He came back with eight. Such a giver.
Marqués de Gelida Cave Brut Exclusive Reserva 2007
“Every Memorial Day holiday should commence with a festive sparkler, and this dry, creamy, biscuity bubbly is as charming as its stylish yellow bottle.”
Available at unionsquarewines.com, $14.
Stoneleigh Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2010
“In my latest book, I write that New Zealand ‘Savvies’ have a ‘crackly Kiwi factor.’ This version is no exception: Its bright, lithe taste is a veritable lime squeeze in a glass.”
Available at sherry-lehmann.com, $13.
Yalumba “Y Series” Viognier 2011
“Yearning for a less oaky alternative to chardonnay? Viognier delivers with a tropical, apricotlike perfume and a lush, spicy finish.”
Available at brooklyncellars.com, $14.
A to Z Wineworks Rosé 2011
“This pink potion shouts summer, with its light body, refreshing taste, and lip-smacking notes of strawberries and lemons.”
Available at garnetwine.com, $12.
Bedell Rosé Taste North Fork of Long Island 2011
“Drink pink and local with this raspberry- and peach-inflected blusher, a winner for its ample aromatics and Barbara Kruger-designed Marilyn Monroe label.”
Available at boweryandvine.com, $15.
Pico Maccario Barbera d’Asti 2009
“A floral, blackberry-infused, medium-bodied red is tailor-made for lollygagging on the hammock.”
Available at discoverywines.com, $16.
Bogle Merlot 2009
“Prove the merlot maligners wrong by serving this medium-weight, blackberry affair that finishes with hints of citrus and herbs.”
Available at astorwines.com, $10.
Ravenswood Vintners Blend Old Vine 2010
“A medium-to-full bodied, cherry-and-spice-scented red is what every self-respecting, apron-clad grill guardian needs this weekend.”
Available at sherry-lehmann.com, $10.
Give one (or all) of them a swirl.
Oldman’s latest book, Oldman’s Brave New World of Wine, is available at amazon.com, $13. For more information, go to markoldman.com.
Photo: Amy Fletcher / Courtesy of Mark Oldman
