Reviewed by: Sharron Swain
Beat the heat with 4 refreshing wines hand-picked by a Birmingham sommelier
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Summer is officially here, so it’s time to start planning your next outdoor get-together in Birmingham. Whether it’s a picnic, cookout, pool day or outdoor dinner, what gathering isn’t improved with wine?
We spoke with Nate Dauphin, Sommelier at Finch Fine Wines, to learn what makes these wines the perfect complementary pairing for your next summer party.
1. Picnic | Columna Albariño
What does your perfect picnic look like? For me, it’s got to be a red checkered tablecloth, a wicker basket, a charcuterie board with fruits and cheeses paired with—of course—a complementary white wine like Columna Albariño.
“Columna is what we call in the industry a ‘hidden gem.’
This wine is made from one of the top Albariño producers in the world and has no business being under $25.
It is such an incredible wine we hesitate to even share this with others.”
Nate Dauphin, General Manager and Sommelier, Finch Fine Wines
About Columna Albariño
- Made in the Rías Baixas region of Spain
- Varietal(s): 100% Albariño
- Nectarine, cardamom and brined green olives. Soft mint and fennel notes and lemon, peach and green apple flavors ply the palate in a gossamer-textured wine that eases into a shimmering finish.
- $21.99
2. Cookout | Aplanta
When I had my friends over for a cookout, I went to Finch Fine Wines to find the perfect wine to complement our meal. They recommended Aplanta, a light and tasty dark red.
“This is the perfect example of a wine that drinks well above its price point.
It is a blend of indigenous varietals to Portugal that is extremely food friendly and the perfect companion for summer barbecues.”
Nate Dauphin, General Manager and Sommelier, Finch Fine Wines
About Aplanta
- Made in Alentejo, Portugal
- Varietal(s): 80% Aragonez, 20% Alicante Bouschet
- Ripe blueberry, plum and red cherry aromas, overlaid with slate mineral. A core of red cherry and blueberry fruit is wrapped with hints of fresh tobacco, black pepper and spice. Plush and refreshing all at once.
- $12.99
3. Pool Day | Vera Vinho Verde Branco
On a hot summer day, it’s hard to find something more refreshing than hopping in a pool—but Vera Vinho Verde Branco is a close second.
“Nothing screams ‘pool’ like light, crisp and refreshing.
If you aren’t familiar with the Portuguese region of Vinho Verde, then you should try it out.
The wines are typically inexpensive and incredibly delicious.”
Nate Dauphin, General Manager and Sommelier, Finch Fine Wines
About Vera Vinho Verde Branco
- Made in Vinho Verde, Portugal
- Varietal(s): 60% Arinto, 30% Azal, 10% Loureiro
- Arinto brings bright acidity and aging potential, Azal is citric and fresh and Loureiro is aromatic and delicate. Clean, lively flavors of lime, ripe pink and yellow grapefruit. Bright, fresh and light effervescent.
- $15.99
4. Outdoor dinner | Prost Pinot Noir
Hosting an outdoor dinner? Prost Pinot Noir is an excellent choice that can pair well with a variety of dishes, from pasta to pizza.
“This wine shows Germany isn’t just about sweet white wines.
They also produce world class dry red wines such as pinot noir.
This light-bodied red is great with a slight chill and a bargain relative to French and American counterparts.”
Nate Dauphin, General Manager and Sommelier, Finch Fine Wines
About Prost Pinot Noir
- Made in Pfalz, Germany
- Varietal(s): 100% Pinot Noir
- Light-bodied, crisp and refreshing. Red cherry and luscious dark fruit shine throughout, complemented by fine cocoa tannins.
- $18.99
Meet Nate Dauphin, a local sommelier
Each of these summer wines comes at the recommendation of Nate Dauphin, a Sommelier and General Manager of Finch Fine Wines.
After growing up in The Magic City, Nate traveled the country—and the world—in pursuit of his passion for fine wine. An accredited sommelier from a top-rated program, Nate spent several years honing his craft in fine dining establishments, including Birmingham’s own Café Dupont.
Now, Nate’s expertise in wine is available to anyone who visits Finch Fine Wines.
At Finch Fine Wines, each bottle has been carefully selected by Nate to represent the very best value for your dollar, no matter the price point.
In addition to wines kept in-store, Finch Fine Wines has access to an online cellar with 3,500+ different options. If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, check out their Special Order page—products will arrive within a week of purchase, and sometimes faster.
- Address: 2737 US Highway 280 South, Suite 144, Birmingham, Alabama
- Hours: Monday-Wednesday, 10AM- 6PM | Thursday-Saturday, 10AM-6:30PM | Closed Sunday
- 205.441.8122 | Email | Website | Facebook | Instagram
Have questions about these wines or want more options for your outdoor parties? Follow @finchfinewines on Instagram + message them!
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