National Wine Day – Tipsy Tuesday

National Wine Day falls on May 25 this year, which happens to be a Tuesday. So maybe we should call it “Tipsy Tuesday”?  To get ready for this very special day, let’s tiptoe over to our local wine store to see what’s new and enjoy a tipple or two.

Where to start this wine adventure? Find a local wine shop where the proprietor loves wine every bit as much as you do. Engage him/her in conversation and they will help steer you to new bottles of wine that will tickle your tastebuds.

Challenge yourself to try a bottle of wine that is new to you. If you always drink rosé wine in the summer months, try the rosé version of your favorite wine. Vinho Verde is the perfect summer sipper and you’ll find it in both white and rosé. It’s made in Portugal and is full of fruity flavors with a tiny bit of effervescence. Folks often refer to it as an “Adult soft drink”, so refreshing! And this wine is super inexpensive too, it can easily be found in the $10 -12 range. At that price you’ll want to buy a case to take to the lake or the beach this summer. Vinho Verde is a perfect pairing with fish tacos and ceviche.

In the mood for a fancier sparkling wine on National Wine Day? We all love Veuve Clicquot champagne. Did you know there is a Rosé Veuve Clicquot? It’s a beautiful salmon pink champagne with lots of tiny fun bubbles that will dance all around your glass. Aromas of very ripe strawberries, this is a full-bodied champagne made with 50 – 55% pinot noir and 28 – 33% chardonnay grapes. Enjoy this lovely bubbly with smoked salmon, duck and shrimp.

If you normally drink wines that are made close to home, try venturing into another state. Virginia makes lots of tasty wines. Flying Fox Vineyard is located in Monticello, Virginia. They make a tasty rosé from Cabernet Franc and Merlot grapes. It is described on their website as having aromas of fresh ripe strawberrries, nutmeg and marzipan. The perfect picnic wine! Did you know that Virginia makes some fun and tasty sparkling wines too? Thibaut-Janisson Blanc de (sparkling) Blanc de Chardonnay made in  Charlottesville is a fine sparkling wine. According to their website it was served at President Obama’s first state dinner at the White House, paired with a pear tatin and a pumpkin pie tart for dessert.

Have you tried wines from Michigan? One that will surprise you is a sparkling wine with the name “Sex”.  You’ll never guess how this wine got its name. And here’s the website that tells the whole story. This lovely pink sparkling wine has just a hint of Michigan cherry flavor, crisp and bright. You will love it, but how could you not love a wine named Sex?

The month of May must be a popular time to drink wine. May is also National Oregon Wine Month. May starts out with National Sauvignon Blanc Day (May 1) followed by World Moscato Day (May 9) and International Chardonnay Day (May 21)

One advantage to shopping in a local wine store compared to a big box chain store is that if they do not have the wine you are looking for, they may be able to special order it for you. Some special orders require multiple bottles to bring the wine to the shop, so if you request a special order expect to have to purchase several bottles (especially if it is a less expensive bottle of wine).

Please visit your local wine store. After surviving the past year, they can probably use the business and its always feels good to support local small business.  They will be glad to see you and will be happy to recommend lots of fun wines that are “new to you” for National Wine Day.

Are you excited to try a new wine on National Wine Day? Please share your new wine finds with us.