In celebration of National Wine Day, Sommelier Lorenzo Rocci at Pelican Hill invites you to explore his Top 5 Adventurous Summer Wine Picks. From bold and exotic blends to crisp and refreshing varietals, embark on a journey that ignites your sense of discovery. Available on our menus at Pelican Grill, Great Room, or Coliseum Pool & Grill, these selections are perfect for enjoying a glass and toasting to an unforgettable summer evening.
1.Dry Riesling, Forge Cellars, Seneca Lake, NY (Pelican Grill)
A Dry Riesling is a wonderful wine option for the summer heat—typically light-bodied, Dry Rieslings are known for their high acidity, which provides a crisp and refreshing quality. This particular label is from Forge Cellars, a boutique winery located in Seneca Lake, NY, recognized for crafting exceptional wines such as bone-dry Riesling, cool-climate Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Noir. Featuring a seamless blend of lemon, yellow apple, fennel, and bitter almond notes, this beautiful wine is an ideal match for Pelican Grill’s Chilean Sea Bass—its vibrant profile complements the delicate, slightly sweet flavor of the fish to create a harmonious dining experience.
2. Pecorino, Umani Ronchi, Terre di Chieti, Umbria (Coliseum)
A Pecorino from Umani Ronchi, originating from Terre di Chieti in Umbria, Italy, is a distinctive white wine known for its crisp and bright character. Straw-yellow in color, this Pecorino presents intense aromas of fruit and flowers, joined by clear mineral notes that are both intense and persistent. The wine is medium-bodied with a pleasant freshness, featuring ripe fruit and savory hints that conclude with an enduring lemon and lime finish. Curious about what to pair with this delightful glass of wine? Head over to the Coliseum Pool & Grill for dinner and order our herbaceous Caprese salad or a delectable pasta dish such as the Potato Parmesan Gnocchi— its tasting notes can accompany and enrich the flavors of many cheeses and pasta dishes without overwhelming them.
3. Chappellet Mountain Cuvee (Coliseum)
Straight from the heart of Napa Valley, this red Bordeaux-varietal blend captivates with aromas of concentrated fruit and spice. Layers of red currant, cassis, cinnamon, vanilla, and clove intertwine with subtle hints of earthy components like wild sage, creating a sensory journey with each sip. This blend’s versatility and unique qualities make it an ideal choice for summer sipping and dining, effortlessly suiting a variety of dishes. And who says you always have to opt for lighter fare in the summer? This blend can hold bold dishes well, so try it with the Coliseum’s melt-in-your-mouth Filet Mignon or indulgent Bone-In Rib-Eye for a match made in culinary heaven.
4. Assyrtiko, Gai’a, Greece (Great Room)
Assyrtiko, a revered white grape indigenous to Santorini, Greece, takes center stage in this label sourced from a private vineyard nestled in Nemea’s Koutsi region. This invigorating wine, characterized by refreshing acidity and intense fruity aromas, offers a distinctly lighter profile compared to its Santorinian counterpart. Discover this white grape variety on our summer menu at the Great Room and treat yourself to a glass while immersing yourself in a breathtaking California sunset. As the sky transitions from shades of pink and orange to deep hues of purple and blue, allow yourself to be captivated by the beauty of the moment.
5. Ripasso della Valpolicella, Domenico Fraccaroli, Italy (Great Room)
A Valpolicella from the Veneto region of northeastern Italy, this red wine is crafted from a blend of indigenous grape varieties including Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara. It is an elegant, medium-bodied wine, offering flavors of ripe red fruit, enhanced by nuanced notes of chocolate and coffee. Also found on the menu at the Great Room, this wine pairs well with lighter red meat or feathered game dishes. You also might enjoy it with a smaller bite such as our delicious Mediterranean Cheese Flight or Creamy Hummus.
