Top 10 wines for end of summer sipping

Out Front Colorado’s very own wine connoisseur and taste-bud expert, Rich Mauro, lets us in on his top wine choices to end the season with. For the last stint of summer – yes, its technically fall, but with highs in the 70s, who’s keeping track – fun see which vinos are perfect for what you’ve got planned. Find out a bit about the picks for a successful end of summer sipping experience. You don’t have to compromise taste when being gentle on your pocketbook. These affordable vintage selections will help you end your summer right.

1. 2010 Chateau St. Michelle Riesling
Columbia Valley, Washington • $9
Riesling is my favorite summer white. Its refreshing acidity and moderate alcohol are ideal for cocktail parties and go great with your favorite sushi. This one is typically light and a delightfully crisp sipper with a hint of sweet peach and pear.

2. 2009 King Estate “Signature Collection” Pinot Gris
Oregon • $17
Rich and luscious, with citrus, melon and pear delivered in a lively frame. This wine is the perfect compliment to grilled scallops.

3. 2010 Paolo Saracco “Moscato d’Asti”
Piedmont, Italy • $16
I have been having something of a love affair with this floral, fruity, slightly effervescent Italian vino made from white muscat grapes. It’s sweet, delicate and comfortable as an aperitif or dessert wine. I dream of pairing it with a Palisade peach tart.

4. 2010 Chateau d’Aqueria “Tavel Rosé”
Rhone, France • $18
My favorite summer rendezvous is with a crisp dry French Rosé. It has the cool freshness of a white wine but the berry fruit of a red wine. This is a great match for a Tuna burger.

5. Winery at Holy Cross Abbey “Sangre de Cristo Nouveau”
Fremont County, Colo. • $15
I didn’t expect to like this light Colorado red blend but it charmed me with its sweet and lively fruit. A great summer sipper, I was tempted to pour it over ice like Sangria.

6. 2010 Rosa Regale “Brachetto d’Acqui”
Piedmont, Italy • $20
Toast the end of summer with a bottle of this red bubbly. It’s a deeply fruited Italian sparkler that makes for a seductive aperitif. It pairs well with cheese and chocolate.

7. 2008 Glen Carlou “Grand Classique”
South Africa • $20

This is a really fine example of a Bordeaux-style blend  wrapped in an oak blanket. It makes a great companion for steak.

8. 2009 Dashe Cellars Zinfandel
Dry Creek Valley, Calif. • $24
I want to run outside and fire up the grill just thinking about this wine. Its exuberant wild berry fruit and spiciness are especially designed to accompany grilled sausages.

9. Austin Hope “Troublemaker”
Paso Robles, Calif. • $18
A multi-vintage Rhone-style blend dominated by syrah and accented with Grenache, petite sirah and mourvedre. I have enjoyed it with burgers or barbecue.

10. Clif Family Winery “The Climber Pouch”
Napa Valley, Calif. • $17
For the eco-conscious soul in all of us, this innovative package (a recyclable pouch) not only is convenient but also creates less waste and a lower carbon footprint than glass. The wines inside include a juicy Cabernet Sauvignon and a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay, are of high quality. And for the equivalent of two bottles of wine, they are perfect for any occasion – from a backyard barbeque to picnic in
the park or mountain campfire