Porch wine 2023: Red and white

A red and three whites for summer porch sipping

This is the second of two parts focusing on porch wine — lighter wines, red and white (and of course, rose), that are lower in alcohol and that offer relief from the heat. Today, Part II: reds and whites. Part I: Roses.

This is the second installment of this year’s porch wine post; I needed two parts because there is a surprising amount of quality cheap wine for porch sitting and drinking (wine glut!). Porch wine, as we have discussed before, is about lighter wines, red, white, and pink, that are lower in alcohol and that offer relief from the heat. The idea with a porch wine is to drink something that won’t make the sweat bead on your forehead.

This red and thee whites are well worth trying:

• Frico Bianco 2020 ($12, purchased, 12.5%): More wine glut evidence, given that this vintage of the Italian white blend – so well-priced and so enjoyable – is still on store shelves. Some citrus, some spice, almost some almond. Imported by USA Wine West

• Boekenhoutskloof The Wolftrap Red 2021 ($10, purchased, 14%): South African red blend is spot on yet again, though richer and with more syrah character. Yes, it means it has that Rhone-ish bacon fat thing. But not heavy, not cloying, and not hot. Highly recommended. Imported by Vineyard Brands

• Chereau-Carre Muscadet 2021 ($12, purchased, 12%): A delightful French white from the Muscadet region — almost creamy, with fresh red apple and even a bit of spice. Imported by Monsieur Touton Selection

• Broadbent Dão 2020 ($13, sample, 13%): Pleasant and enjoyable Portuguese white blend (if a bit more rich in the mouth than many would expect). Stone fruit, maybe some tropical and a little spice. Imported by Broadbent Selections

Photo: “Laid Back” by downing.amanda is licensed under CC BY 2.0.