Thirsty for some summer wine recommendations? We asked Zena Polin, owner of Beauty Champagne and Sugar Boutique in Crystal City, to share a few of her favorite warm-weather quaffs. Here are her picks, with tasting notes.
1. La Cuveé, Laurent-Perrier
Champagne, FranceÂ
“This versatile Champagne reminds me of eating buttery brioches in Paris.” The 750ml bottle comes in a gift box and makes a perfect hostess gift for poolside invites. $64.99
2. Coquillage, Small Batch Series, Chardonnay, Bedell Cellars, 2023
Cutchogue, Long Island, New York
“What a find! Coquillage [the French word for seashell] is harvested by hand and fermented with wild yeast in stainless steel. Shells from Peconic Bay and Long Island Sound are placed into the tank and float down to the bottom where they’re aged with the wine for three months.” Truly a beach wine. $27.99
3. Weingut Steininger, Sauvignon Blanc, Sekt Reserve, 2019Â
Austria
“A beautifully crisp sparkling sauvignon blanc with classic tropical notes and lovely minerality. Ideal for those who love Sancerre and sparkling wine but don’t want the toasty notes of Champagne.” $37.99
4. Vermentino Reserve, 2023, Barboursville Vineyards
VirginiaÂ
“This Virginia 2024 Governor’s Cup winner beat out the vineyard’s own amazing Octagon. It’s a zesty, light-bodied white, perfect for people who like pinot grigio and sauvignon blanc but want to try something new.” $24.99
5. Rosé, 2024, Old Westminster
Maryland
“We look forward to the release of this rosé every year. The grape blend (merlot, cabernet franc, malbec and regent) is bold and quirky, and the notes are summer in the glass: candied cherries, wildflowers and apricots.” $24.99
6. Barbera, Loew Vineyards, 2023
Mt. Airy, Maryland
“I’ve had the pleasure to work with winemaker Rachel Lipman for years. She crafts this wine using the carbonic maceration method, which produces a fresh, fruit-forward, low-tannin wine similar to Beaujolais nouveau.” This great summer red is lovely served slightly chilled. $24.99