BBQ Friendly Wine - Ancona's top Red, White, and Rosé wines for Summer 2014

Ignite your senses with Ancona's collection of Grilling Greats! These palate pleasing varietals are an ideal match for your favorite Summertime recipes. Fire up the grill and pop the cork on one of these amazing new wines this weekend!

2012 Masciarelli Trebbiano d'Abruzzo is light straw in color with a greenish tint. The aromas are fairly intense with an elegant fragrance of white flowers and pears. It has a light/medium body with flavors of yellow plums, pears and apples. Pair this neat Trebbiano with Grilled Garlic and Herb Shrimp.

Max Ferd Richter Signature Riesling shows just a touch of residual sugar, but it is impeccably balanced by vibrant acidity and a pleasantly low alcohol. Flavors of lime zest, peach, candied lemon, and pure slate mineral all make an appearance on the palate. I juicy and irresistible summer sippin' white. Pair this off-dry Reisling with Lemongrass Barbecued Pork.

2013 Torii Mor Pinot Gris has a rich, forward aroma, with a mix of peaches, ripe pears and smoky-floral notes. The flavors show a nice, refreshing acidity, followed by a sweet and rich quality that frames the same peach-pear fruity notes. Its lush texture is complemented by a long lasting finish. Pair this mouth-filling Pinot Gris with Chili Lime Chicken Kabobs.

2012 90+ Cellars Lot 8 Garnacha is a complete wine, with aromas of forest fruit shrouded in chocolate, vanilla, milk, coffee, nuts and wood spice. The wine has a broad palate of earthy blue fruits and integrated oak; well put together, ripe and nicely open with a lingering spicy finish. Pair this value Grenache with a refreshing Gazpacho.

2011 Klinker Brick Zinfandel exhibits a bright bouquet of wild strawberry and Satsuma plum, intermingled with cedar shavings. Filling the palate with flavors of black cherry and vanilla, supple tannins support good structure. The finish is smooth and long. Pair this fierce Zinfandel with juicy Cheddar Bacon Hamburgers.

2012 Sexual Chocolate is a unique blend of Zinfandel, Syrah & Petite Sirah. The Zinfandel presents a rich, warm feel that could be confused with biting into a chocolate covered cherry, while the Syrah adds a finish that does not linger after the party is over. The Petite is blended perfectly to display aromatics of magic and love. Pair this sinfully delicious blend with Barbecued Pork Ribs.

2013 Bodegas Muga Rioja Rosado has super fresh fruit aromas; on the palate it is full, expressive, and elegant with crisp acidity and a long aftertaste. Pair this delightful Rosé with an endless variety of tapas.

2013 Jean-Maurice Raffault Chinon Rose is considered the finest of the Loire Valley. It is made from 100% Cabernet Franc. This Chinon Rose has a brilliant, pomegranate-red color, bright red-berry and red-citrus fruit, and a long, fresh and succulent finish. Pair this pleasantly tart Chinon Rosé with a fresh Nicoise Salad.

2013 Heitz Cellars Grignolino Rose is perfection on a Summer day. The luminous pink hue and seductive bouquet of this delightful wine remind us why it is known as "the little strawberry" in its native Italy. This is an invigorating, fruity wine with zippy notes of mandarin on the finish. Pair this fresh and flirty Rosé with Grilled Salmon.

Mix and mingle at one of our tasting events! Join us on Wednesday, June 11 as we welcome winemaker, Mark Burch, to our open-house style Chacewater Wine Tasting. Mark's exposure to many different wine making techniques over the years has helped him develop his own personal style. Chacewater wines are exceptional because of Mark's creativity and vision. This free tasting event takes place at Ancona's Wines in Ridgefield. To RSVP please call (203)544-8958 or contact jackie@anconaswines.com.

Don't miss Ancona's Father's Day Single Malt Tasting! Join for a taste of Islay on Thursday, June 12. We will taste through Bruichladdich's impressive selection of exquisite Single Malts and Gin. This free tasting event takes place at Ancona's Wines in Ridgefield. Space is limited, an RSVP is required. Please call (203)544-8958 or e-mail jackie@anconaswines.com  to reserve your spot today.

Wine Review: 2009 Bodegas Borsao Campo de Borja Tres Picos

This Garnacha is bursting with flavor. Succulent dark cherry and raspberry on the palate with hints of vanilla and spice. Medium/full body with mellow tannins and a smooth finish. A perfect wine for holiday dining, with loads of pairing potential. It is delicious!

Wine Review: 2010 Domaine Vindemio Imagine

Love at first sip! For under $25 this is one of the best values I have seen all year. An alluring blend of Syrah and Grenache, 2010 Domaine Vindemio Imagine is full-flavored and rich. It has a luscious, full body with an impressive display of fresh, ripe fruit. Its sweet, succulent fruit will complement the savory dishes, I paired it with pork tenderloin.

Weekly Round Up: 2009 Camino de Navaherreros, 2009 Iona Sauvignon Blanc, 2009 Meurger Pinot Noir and 2009 Discovery Sauvignon Blanc

2009 Camino de Navaherreros

I have only four words for this bottle: I love this wine! 2009 Camino de Navaherreros is silky and smooth with a luscious, medium body. It is a total fruit-bomb, with sweet fruit on the nose and succulent, juicy flavors on the palate. A touch of spice enhances these flavors leading to a beautifully focused finish. 5 Stars!

2009 Iona Sauvignon Blanc

This South African Sauvignon Blanc has a crisp, medium body. The nose is clean with notes of tropical fruit and a touch of grass. Bright acidity complements pronounced citrus flavors. Iona Sauvignon Blanc was not what I was expecting it to be at all, but sometimes that’s a good thing. If you’re into crisp, zippy Sauvignon Blanc Iona is worth trying. I was pleasantly surprised and will definitely revisit this bottle again.

2009 Meurger Pinot Noir

The 2009 Le Meurger Pinot Noir is very dry, with low acidity. On the nose notes of red berry and dark fruit are accompanied by a distinct vegetal aroma. Its lighter body presents soft, muted flavors of dark red fruit as well as a generous amount of earth and spice. I wouldn't say I loved this bottle but I also can't say that I didn't not like it either. This is a nice Pinot Noir from Burgundy, not the best, but an accurate representation of the varietal and region.

2009 Discovery Sauvignon Blanc

This is a light-bodied Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. It has citrusy, slightly herbaceous notes on the nose. On the palate it has a good amount of citrus and tropical fruit. These flavors are rounded out by a soft acidity. I wasn’t really feeling the Discovery, it just is not my style. But that's not to say it isn't a good bottle. It's light body and soft acidity make it a refreshing choice in this heat.