Okay, so maybe I should call this “Summer likin,'” because you probably don’t LOVE most of these, but you like them just fine.
In an earlier post, I referenced, “Monday Wines.” These are wines that are for when you really want a glass of wine, just a glass, after a long Monday but don’t want to open or waste anything special (read-“expensive”). They are under $10.00, typically 7-8 dollars and palatable. Nothing you are going to evaluate, store, talk about at bunko, but will do the job.
Depending on where you live, it is still pretty hot. Here in Austin, we are having a record-breaking heat wave to accompany our drought-not my favorite pairing-so I am thinking something light and crisp. Think Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or my personal favorite for 105 degrees-Vinho Verde. In the “Monday Wine” category, there are plenty of Vinho Verdes to choose from. Prices range from $5 on sale up to $8 for most. You aren’t going to find a huge range on this wine, but I’ll list my personal favorites below. I am pretty sure I single-handedly forced a local retailer to up there price a few summers ago (kidding…I think). It went up from 6 to 9 one summer. Disappointing, so I moved on to a less popular one. If you aren’t familiar with Vinho Verde, it is a lightly effervescent, crisp wine from Portugal. Love it. This is also a great wine to have with appetizers or on Saturday afternoon or…well you get the idea. It is low in alcohol so you can have that extra glass and still feel a-ok. Plus, it is so reasonable that you can pick up 6 bottles (10% discount) when it is on sale and spend less than you would on a pedicure.
So, let’s share…what are your favorite crisp, white “Monday Wines?”
1) Famega Vinho Verde (7-9, original favorite)
2) Gazela Vinho Verde (6-7, replacement)
3) Barefoot Pinot Grigio (5-7) surprisingly ok
4) Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc/Viognier (10-13, so it almost doesn’t meet the Monday wine reqs, but if on sale, it is so yummy I had to mention it, maybe we’ll call it a Thursday wine)
5) Columbelle (8) crisp, fruity French wine
6) McManis Viognier (8-9)
7) Kenwood Sauvignon Blanc (7-9)
Looking forward to adding to the list!
SAHMmelier 
Here’s a Monday wine that might be a good addition to your list–
Cupcake Red Velvet, a blend under $10. Would love to hear what you think about it.
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Yes! It is yummy. I have yet to be disappointed by a Cupcake at that price point. Good call!
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Alissa, this is so awesome, informative, & useful especially for someone like me!! I love your blog, you are so talented & creative. I find it very inspiring & will of course drink some more wine!!
Jess
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LOVING your blog! Will have to try the Vinho Verde.
Add this to your list:
Louis Latour Chardonnay d’Ardeche (8) It is an unoaked Chard and I think it’s a perfect sipper for 105 degrees.
Here are some notes about the wine (and yes, it’s straight from their website.)
Tasting Note
Green-yellow in colour, the nose is complex with a bouquet of exotic fruits and honey. Powerful, rich and long in the mouth this is a wine with beautiful harmony.
Vinification
Gravity-fed presses, stainless steel vats and temperature-controlled fermentation with 100% malolactic fermentation.
Description
Maison Louis Latour is one of the most innovative producers in Burgundy whilst maintaining its traditional image. With a view to expanding the business in 1979, the valley of the Ardèche river with its limestone-based soils was chosen as the ideal location to produce top-quality vin de pays Chardonnay. The wine is deliciously apple-fresh with crisp acidity and a smooth finish.
Cheers!
j
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I love a dry rose with barbecue on summer Saturday afternoons. I really like some of the French selections…not going to try and spell them on your blog, but Central Market and Whole Foods have some descent roses for right around $10.
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