The current pandemic has increased the amount of time we’re spending outdoors. Here’s a list of some outstanding screw closure wines to enjoy while there.
Welcome To The Great Outdoors
Patios, backyards, parks, beaches, lakes, balconies, rooftops. Camping, picnics, hiking—one of the biggest trends of 2020 just might be how much time we’re spending outdoors. For the time being, our entertaining has all been on our back patio with plenty of room to social distance with our friends. We’ve been twisting off the tops of many wines in the process.
Wines with screw closures have come a long way. Previously screwcaps were used almost exclusively on low-quality, mass-produced wine. Today the story is much different.
Advances in closure technology now allows for the preservation of wine without the worry of cork taint. Many producers also tout the environmentally-friendly aspect of screw closures. You can no longer judge the quality of the wine by the bottle top.
Perhaps the biggest bonus is convenience. No foil cutter or corkscrew is required – and you don’t need to worry about resealing the bottle if you didn’t quite finish. Just twist the top back on.
Twist And Shout
We recently untwisted the tops on eight enjoyable screwcap wines:
Bernier 2018 Chardonnay, Loire Valley – We’re Loire Valley fans and consider these French wines fun with plentiful fruit. This Chard is fresh with apple and pear notes with minimal oaking. Nice minerality too. SRP $15.99.
Domaine Matrot 2018 Chardonnay, Burgundy – This Burgundy gets malolactic fermentation and time on the lees for a nice rounded flavor. The vines average more than 30 years old. SRP $28.99.
Domaine Matrot 2017 Pinot Noir, Burgundy – Made with grapes from Puligny-Montrachet and Meursault, this is a Pinot designed to drink young. A fresh wine with sweet notes of red berries. Lacks the earthiness of some Pinot, but is juicy with soft tannins. SRP $33.99.
La Vieille Ferme 2019 Rosé – La Vieille Ferme is the best-selling French wine in America and is designed to be straightforward and inexpensive. The Rosé is thoroughly enjoyable at a mere $11.99 price. Made with Cinsault, Grenache, and Syrah.
La Vieille Ferme 2018 Rouge – This is a unique red with a Southern France profile. The grapes are Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache, and Syrah. The grapes are crushed and fermented in cement vats, which gives the wine a light and playful style. One of my patio favorites at a mere $11.99.
MAN 2019 Chenin Blanc, South Africa – This Chenin Blanc, or Steen as its called in its home country, comes from unirrigated bush vines. Surprisingly, it is made from free-run juice – no pressing involved. This is a fresh, enjoyable mix of pineapple, lemon and apple flavors. SRP $11.99.
MAN 2017 Pinotage, South Africa – There’s a lot to love about this Pinotage (a South African specialty). It starts with earthy notes of mocha then softens into juicy, red berry bliss. This was a favorite of the Green Dragon (my lovely wife). SRP $11.99.
Mohua 2019 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough – A satisfying, classic version of Marlborough Sauvignon with tropical fruit and lime notes punctuated with a zesty acidity. The Mohua is a small colorful bird found only on the South Island of New Zealand. This is a solid choice for the summery days of September. SRP $15.99
Full disclosure: These wines were received as marketing samples.
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