What to Drink this Weekend...

TGIF, y'all!

It's the last weekend in July...can you even believe it!?

August starts on Monday and with it comes thoughts of going back to school, pulling out the sweaters, and the dreaded END OF SUMMER!

Turn away from the darkness! Think happy thoughts...happy, 2005 Bordeaux thoughts...

Let's use this last weekend of July to blissfully sip summer concoctions and make plans for a February beach get-a-way!

Ulrich Langguth Riesling

Country: Germany

Grapes: Riesling

ABV: 11%

Price: $7.99-$13.99 (this is a Trader Joe's Fabulous Find!!)

Orange Flower, Nice Acidity, Green Apple

Best Enjoyed: After a long hike or with Thai take-out

If you can't find me: Find another dry, German Riesling- Dr. Loosen is always a good bet! Riesling sometimes gets a bad reputation as a "sweet wine," but the low ABV and acidity are a great combination and perfect for the summer.

* Don't be alarmed if you catch a faint whiff of "petrol" on the nose. This is a classic characteristic of many Rieslings from Germany (especially Mosel).

Domaine du Grand Cros Aurelia Rose'

Country: France (Provence)

Grapes: 50% Mourvedre, 40% Grenache, 10% Syrah

ABV: 14%

Price: $19.99- $24.99

Ripe Red Berries, White Flowers, Slight Savory Finish

Best Enjoyed: While dining "al-fresco" (it holds up to even BBQ) or take it out on a boat

If you can't find me: Look for a rose' from Provence that is made mostly with Mourvedre or Cinsault grapes.

* MacArthur Beverages (one of my favorite wine shops in D.C. imports this beauty- it's my favorite Rose' of the summer...so far...)

2011 or 2010 Simonsig Redhill Pinotage

Country: South Africa (Stellenbosch)

Grapes: Pinotage (a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault)

ABV: 14.5%

Price: $35- $45

Dark Opacity, Rich Plum, Cinnamon Lining

Best Enjoyed: A birthday or anniversary dinner or taken over to a "foodie's" house

If you can't find me: Opt for another Pinotage from the Stellenbosch region of South Africa.

*Pinotage is a great grape. It takes the fruit and smoothness of a Pinot Noir and gives it a backbone! This is such an unknown yet crowd-pleasing varietal.