WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7 , 2019. THE WASHINGTON POST EZ EE E7
Mercury is
ascendant. Not so
much in
astrological
charts, but in our
thermometers, on
our dashboard
displays, the
weather apps on
our phones and
tablets. The
temperature is soaring, and it’s
taking its toll on us and the
wines we drink.
Beset by heat, wine lovers will
turn to an ice-cold rosé to slake
our thirst, after hydrating with
water, of course. But we should
also be concerned about how the
summer’s blazing heat is
affecting the wines we buy and
store.
Wine ages gracefully in cool
temperatures and dies quickly in
heat. That’s why we store it in a
wine cellar, or “cave,” to use the
French term. Most of us don’t
have underground cellars. If you
are collecting wine to age for
years, you might devote part of
your basement to a temperature-
controlled room to give your
wine the best chance at
longevity. If you keep only a few
cases at a time, a wine fridge or
cooler is fine. Otherwise, keep
your wine in the coolest part of
your house and use it as an
excuse to keep the air
conditioning low.
The real problem with
summer is heat spikes. Think of
how severe heat affects your
energy level, then remember that
wine is essentially alive. It can
bake in high temperatures. We
can revive with a shower, a dip in
the pool or just some AC, but
wine, once cooked, is gone.
A white wine that has been
cooked, or subjected to high
temperature spikes for even a
few hours, can turn brown and
oxidized. It will taste like bruised
or overripe fruit. It certainly
won’t taste as fresh as you
expect. A red wine will taste like
stewed fruit or an inner tube. It
may look more brown than red
and smell a bit skunky.
Here are some pointers to
manage the heat stress of
summer when enjoying wine:
First, when shopping for wine,
put a cooler with cold packs in
your car trunk. Even on an 80-
degree day, a car’s interior can
soar quickly to over 100 degrees.
The trunk gets even hotter,
because it doesn’t benefit from
the air conditioning while you’re
driving. But no place in your car
is safe without insulation and
extra cooling. If your wine
shopping isn’t your last stop
while running errands, think
ahead and pack a cooler.
This is especially important
when visiting local wineries,
which I certainly hope you do.
Most wineries do not have shade
over their parking lots, in part
because trees are habitats for
insects that can spread disease to
vines. That pricey bottle you buy
at your first winery stop will be
prune juice by the time you
finish your second tasting. Do
what you can to keep it cool.
Second, be mindful of how the
wine is kept in the store. With
your cooler secure in the trunk of
your car, take note of how the
wines are kept and displayed
before you buy them. Beware of
wines exposed to windows and
sunlight. Notice how cool the
store is — air conditioning is
expensive, and retailers may turn
the thermostat up to save money.
A noticeably cool store is a sign
of a retailer serious about
presenting wines at their best.
Third, don’t have wine
shipped to your home. Okay,
you’ve enjoyed your visit to wine
country in California or Oregon,
and you’ve discovered some
delicious wines you can’t find in
stores back home. Whip out your
credit card and stock up, but ask
the winery to ship the wines in
September or October, when the
temperature is cooler. Many
wineries ship UPS or FedEx, but
not necessarily overnight. Even
insulated in cardboard or plastic
foam, wines can bake on a cross-
country truck ride. And when
you aren’t home to sign for the
delivery, the wines stay on the
delivery truck, cooking away. If a
winery is eager to ship to you in
summer, beware: That may be a
sign they care more for your
money than the quality of their
product.
Some caveats are in order.
Wines can be “cooked” before
they’re even bottled, through
mishandling in the vineyard or
the winery. They may have been
stored in hot warehouses on
their way to market, sent across
country in unrefrigerated trucks
or across oceans in containers
lacking temperature controls,
only to be stacked at the port of
entry for a few days waiting for
clearance from U.S. Customs and
Border Protection. That’s why it’s
worth paying a little more money
— and a little more attention —
to buy wines that have been
properly handled from stores
that care, and recognize that
wine thrives in a cool
environment.
So in the heat of summer, keep
your cool — and your wine’s.
[email protected]McIntyre blogs at dmwineline.com.
On Twitter: @dmwine.Here are ways to keep
your wines cool even in
the heat of summer
PHOTOS BY HANNAH WAGNER FOR THE WASHINGTON POSTJulio Robledo teaches at Grand Cata wine shop in the District. A
red wine will taste like stewed fruit or an inner tube if it heats up.
Wine
DAVE
MCINTYRE
Exceptional
Excellent Very GoodThis week’s greatest value is a
good-looking and great-tasting red
blend from Argentina, ideal for
your summer cookouts. Compare it
with a delicious Walmart exclusive
from Bulgaria. We also have two
refreshing sauvignon blancs, one
from Bordeaux and a richer
expression from California. Finally,
why not beat the heat by escaping
to the Greek islands with a lovely
assyrtiko from Crete?
— D.M.GREAT VALUE
Que Guapo 2017
Argentina, $11
“Que Guapo” means you’re
“looking very good” in Spanish,
and the label evokes the colorful
La Boca neighborhood of Buenos
Aires, where tango dancers party
in the streets. It might as well
mean good tasting, too — this
blend of malbec, syrah and
bonarda is a fun, delicious red for
your patio parties. Whether it’s
burgers on the grill or a full-fledged
Argentine-style asado, here’s your
red. Alcohol by volume: 14 percent.
Imported and distributed by Elite: Available
in the District at Cairo Wine & Liquor,
Cordial Craft Wine, Beer & Spirits (Union
Market, the Wharf), District Liquors, Dixie
Liquor, D’Vines, Irving Wine & Spirits,
Rosebud Liquor, Streets Market (various
locations), Yes! Organic Market (14th
Street). Available in Maryland at Cheese
Galore and More, Chuck’s Tr ading Post, the
Happy Grape, the Remington Bottle and
Wine Source in Baltimore, Crescent Beer &
Wine in Bowie, Old Line Fine Wine, Spirits &
Bistro in Beltsville, Wine Bin in Ellicott City.
Available in Virginia at Bottleworks, Libbie
Market, Lombardy Market, Once Upon a
Vine (North), Strawberry Street Vineyard
and Union Market in Richmond; Sonny’s
Fine Wine and Beer in Henrico; Streets
Market (Alexandria, Arlington); Westover
Market in Arlington.Lyrarakis Wines Vóila Assyrtiko
2017
Crete, Greece, $18
When I sip this crisp, refreshing
wine, its ripe flavors of peach,quince and wild herbs transport
me to the Greek islands, basking
in sunlight that drew Icarus higher
on the cool Mediterranean breeze... oh wait, that’s my tasting note
for a York Peppermint Pattie. ABV:
13.5 percent.
Imported by USA Wine West, distributed by
Kysela: Available in the District at Calvert
Woodley, Magruder’s, Rodman’s. Available
in Maryland at Finewine.com in
Gaithersburg, Knowles Station Wine & Co.
in Kensington, Shawan Liquors in
Cockeysville. Available in Virginia at Brut
Champagne and Wine Bar in Alexandria,
Locke Store in Millwood, Pentagon City
Wine Merchants in Arlington, Puck’s Market
in Henrico, Sperryville Corner Store in
Sperryville, WineStyles in Montclair,
Woodstock Cafe & Shoppes in Woodstock.
GREAT VALUE
Hamilton Creek Sauvignon
Blanc 2018
Napa Valley, Calif., $13
This is excellent sauvignon blanc
in the California style — rich, not
too grassy or aggressive, with
some tropical fruit flavors. Enjoy
this by itself or with roast chicken.
ABV: 14.1 percent.
Distributed by M.Touton: Available in the
District at Ace Beverage, Eye Street Cellars,
Harry’s Reserve Fine Wine & Spirits,
Rodman’s, World Liquors. Available in
Maryland at 108 Deli & Liquor in Clarksville;
Absolutely Wine or Spirits in Columbia;
Chesapeake Market & Deli in North Beach;Choice Wine & Beer in Silver Spring; Cork &
Bottle Liquors and Montpelier Liquors in
Laurel; Fr anklin’s Restaurant, Brewery and
General Store, Queen’s Chapel Liquors and
Yes! Organic Market in Hyattsville; Fr ank’s
Den in Glen Burnie; Hop N Grape in North
Bethesda; Knowles Station Wine & Co. in
Kensington; Landover Liquor in Cheverly;
Old Farm Liquors and Plus Mart in
Frederick; the Perfect Pour in Elkridge; Port
of Call Liquors in Solomons; Rosewick Wine
& Spirits in La Plata; the Wine Shoppe in
Waldorf; Village Pump Liquors in College
Park; Wheaton Winery in Wheaton; Wine
Bin in Ellicott City; Wine & Liquor Depot in
Brandywine; Wine Source in Baltimore.
Available in Virginia at Rio Hill Wine & Beer
and Toddsbury of Ivy Convenience Store in
Charlottesville.GREAT VALUE
Chateau La Freynelle
Sauvignon-Semillon-Muscadelle
2018
Bordeaux, Fr ance, $ 14
Here’s a nice white from Bordeaux,
based on sauvignon blanc, with
extra body from semillon (a classic
Bordeaux blend) and a flowery
note from muscadelle. This is a
lovely wine for sipping before
dinner or with lighter seafood and
pasta dishes. ABV: 12.5 percent.
Imported by Aquitaine Wine USA,
distributed by M. Touton: Available in the
District at Connecticut Avenue Wine &
Liquor, Eye Street Cellars, Harry’s Reserve
Fine Wine & Spirits, Morris Miller Wine &
Liquor, Rodman’s. Available in Maryland at
108 Deli & Liquor in Clarksville, BradleyFood & Beverage in Bethesda, Choice Wine
& Beer in Silver Spring, Cork & Bottle
Liquors in Laurel, Downtown Crown Wine
and Beer in Gaithersburg, Frederick Wine
House and Old Farm Liquors in Fr ederick,
Landover Liquor in Cheverly, Bo Brooks
Lighthouse Liquors in Baltimore, Midway
Liquors in Joppa, Town Center Market in
Riverdale Park, Wine World Beer & Spirits in
Abingdon. Available in Virginia at Classic
Wines in Great Falls, Pentagon City Wine
Merchant in Arlington, Unwined in
Belleview, Vienna Vintner in Vienna, Wine
Cabinet in Reston.GREAT VALUE
Castra Rubra Winemaker’s
Selection Cabernet Sauvignon-
Syrah 2012
Thracian Valley, Bulgaria, $15
This is part of Walmart’s private
label Winemaker’s Selection
series. This is a good-quality, high-
value red blend ideal for meat off
the grill or in rich, braised dishes.
ABV: 14 percent.
Imported by G&B: Available at various
Walmart stores in the District and Virginia.Av ailability information is based on
distributor records. Wines might not
be in stock at every listed store and
might be sold at additional stores.
Prices are approximate. Check
Winesearcher.com to verify
availability, or ask a favorite wine
store to order through a distributor.RECOMMENDATIONSTOM MCCORKLE FOR THE WASHINGTON POST
From left, Castra Rubra Winemaker’s Selection Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah 2012 , Hamilton Creek
Sauvignon Blanc 201 8, Que Guapo 201 7, Chateau La Freynelle Sauvignon-Semillon-Muscadelle 20 18,
Lyrarakis Wines Vóila Assyrtiko 2017.Ben Hammer organizes shelves of wine at Grand Cata.
Be mindful of how the wine is presented in a store. Examine
how the wines are kept and displayed before you buy them.
Malt Scotch Sale
Ardbeg 10 Ye ar .....................................45.99
Auchentoshan 12 Ye ar .......................39.99
Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14 Ye ar .........69.99
Balvenie • Caol Ila 12 Ye ar .............55.99
Bowmore • Highland Park 12 Ye ar ...46.99
Dalmore 12 Ye ar. ..................................55.99
Dalwhinnie 15 Ye ar .............................59.99
Glenfiddich • Glenlivet 12 Ye ar ....49.99
Glenlivet Fo under’s Reserve .................42.99
Glenmorangie Lasanta • Ruban ........44.99
Lagavulin 16 Ye ar ................................69.99
Laphroaig 10 Ye ar................................39.99
Macallan 12 Ye ar • Double Cask ..........56.99
Oban 14 Ye ar .........................................59.99
Talisker 10 Ye ar • Storm .......................49.99
Tomatin 12 Ye ar ..............................29.88Cognac Sale
Courvoisier VSOP................................35.99
Hennessy VSOP ..............................49.99
Martell Blue Swift ................................42.99
Martell VSOP. ............................................32.99
Remy Martin VSOP.............................42.99
Remy Martin 1738 ..............................49.991.5 Liter Magnum Sale
Cavit .......................................................10.99
Fetzer Reb $15 on 6 Bot • Citra .............9.99
Glen Ellen ..................................6.44
La Vieille Ferme ................................11.99
Lindeman’s Bins ...............................6.99
Vendange • Concha y To ro. ............7.99
Woodbridge Reb $15 on 6 Bot .................9.99
Ye llow Tail Reb $18 on 12 Bot ................8.99SIGN UP TO
RECEIVE
EMAIL OF AD
ON MON4339 Connecticut Ave. NW ★ Adjacent to Van Ness Metro Stop
202-966-4400 | Wineline: 966- 0445
calvertwoodley.com | wine@cal vertwoodley.com
Hours: M-F 10-8:30 • Sat 9:30-8:30 • Sun 10:30-5:00 • Sale Thru Sunday 8/11/19BONUS WINE12.99
Regular $17.99La Negly
Brise Marine
Blanc
2018 (92 WA)1.75 Liter SaleFINE WINES & SPIRITS ★ LA CHEESERIE & INTERNATIONAL DELI
★ ★ ★ ★ PARK FREE ON OUR LOT ★ ★ ★ ★Glenlivet
82.99Johnnie
Walker Red
28.99Dewar’s
28.99Famous
Grouse
25.99
J & B
34.99
Dewar’s
12 Year
49.99Johnnie
Walker Black
55.99Chivas Regal
49.99Glenfiddich
82.99Jameson
38.88
32.99
BushmillsInver House
14.49
13.99
Lauder’sClan
MacGregor
15.98Grant’s
20.99White Horse
24.99Cutty Sark
21.99Fleischmann's
10.99Belvedere
36.99Gilbey’s
11.88Skyy
18.99
Reb $12 On 2 BotSmirnoff
17.99Luksusowa
14.44Svedka
16.99Gordon’s
15.99Sobieski
18.99
Reb $5=13.99Absolut
25.99Ketel One
32.99Grey Goose
48.99Tito’s
28.99Three Olives
17.99
Reb $5=12.99Stolichnaya
25.99
Reb $15 On 2 BotNew Amsterdam
14.99Beefeater
25.99Camarena
Reposado • Silver
34.99Tanqueray Gin
32.99Gilbey’s
13.99Gordon’s
16.99Bombay
25.99B. Sapphire
29.88Cuervo
Gold • Silver
27.99Hendrick’s
59.99Calypso
10.99Captain
Morgan
22.99Mount Gay
30.44Bacardi
19.99Gosling
24.99Wild Turkey
101°
35.99
Reb $5=30.99Knob Creek
Bourbon • Rye
51.99Evan
Williams
17.99Va. Gentleman
19.99Jim Beam
25.99Bulleit
Bourbon • Rye
39.99Woodford
Reserve
59.99Jack
Daniel’s
37.99Gentleman Jack
47.88
Maker’s
Mark
44.99Canadian
Mist
11.88Crown
Royal
39.99Black Velvet
10.99Kentucky
Gentleman
10.99Canadian
Club
16.99Bourbon • CanadianVodkaScotch • IrishGin • Tequila • RumCase Beer Sale- 12 OZ. CANS –
Busch Reg • Light • Natural Light ......... 30pk 16.99
Goose Island IPA • 312 • Natural Villain...15pk
Narragansett Lager ........ 30pk16.99
Founders All Day IPA • Centennial IPA .....15pk 17.99
Coors Light • Bud Light • Budweiser • Miller Lite ..18.99
Michelob Ultra ......................................19.99 - 12 OZ. BOTTLES –
Yuengling Lager ....................................20.99
Beck’s Regular ........................................24.99
Stella • Amstel • Bass ................................27.99
Corona Reg • Light • Heineken ....................27.99
Peroni • Eggenberg • Pilsner Urquell .....27.99
Dos Equis Amber • Lager .....................28.99
Modelo Especial • Negra .......................29.99
Dogfish Head 60 Min IPA ................32.99
Blue Moon ............................................34.99
Sierra Nevada Torpedo • Pale Ale ..........34.99
BREWERYBREWERY
OF THE WEEK!★ 2018 Rosé Sale ★
Alexander Valley Sangiovese Calif ....12.99
Baronnie de Montgaillard Lang .....8.99
Bégude Bandol ......................................24.99
Burgo Viejo Rioja ...................................8.99
Cabriz Dão ................................................8.99
Camas Pinot Noir Languedoc ...................9.99
Castelmaure Corbieres ..........................8.99
Cavalchina Bardolino Chiaretto Italy ...93 Vin ...14.99
Charles Smith “Band of Roses” Wash ...9.99
Clos du Bois “Lightly Bubbled” California .....10.99
Comm. de La Bargemone Provence ....90 WA ...13.99
Corbillières Touraine ..............................8.99
Coudray Montpensier “Bouqueteau” Chinon ....12.99
Crochet (Jean-Marc) Sancerre .........18.99
De Vaux “Boseres” Moselle ...................14.99
D’Esclans “Whispering Angel” Provence .....18.99
Domaine Ott “Ch. de Selle” Provence....39.99
Elk Cove Pinot Noir Oregon...................15.99
Grand Veneur “Réserve” C-d-Rhône ...10.99
Guillaman Gascogne ..............................9.99
Hugl Zweigelt Austria ................................8.99
Jaume “Le Cretace” Tavel. ...........90 JD ...15.99
La Source Gabriel Provence ..............14.99
La Vernède Languedoc ...........................9.99
La Vieille Ferme France ........................6.99
Lafage “Miraflors” Languedoc. ....91 JD ...15.99
L’Escarelle “Palm” France ......................9.99
Mas Redonne Bandol ..........................19.99
Mirabeau Provence ...............................13.99
Miraval Provence ...................................19.99
Montaud Provence .................................9.99
Montaud Provence (3L Bag-in-Box) .......23.99
Mordorèe “Dame Rousse” Tavel ....92 Vin ...19.99
Mordorèe “Reine des Bois” Tavel .........29.99
Mordorée Côtes du Rhône....................13.99
Nouelles Anjou........................................8.99
Paltrinieri “Leclisse” Lambrusco ..........16.99
Paolo Calì “Osa” Frappato Sicily .....90 Vin ...16.99
Paradis “Terre des Anges” Provence. ...91 WA ...23.99
Paradis Provence ....................................12.99
Pico Maccario “ Lavignone” Barbera Italy ......13.99
Pigoudet “Classic” Provence ................15.99
Pigoudet “Première” Provence .............11.99
Puech-Haut “Prestige” Languedoc. ..91 JD ...17.99
Reverdy “Les Villots” Sancerre ..............17.99
Rivarose Provence .................................13.99
Ségriès Ta vel ..........................................13.99
Sperino “Rosa del Rosa” Piedmont .......15.99
Thieuley Bordeaux.................................11.99
Thunevin-Calvet “Constance” Rouss ...10.99
Valle Reale Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo .........11.99
Wither Hills Pinot Noir New Zeal .........13.99Goose Island
Tasting Friday 4-7
Pilzé • IPA NOW
Paper Umbrella10.99 /4pkSpiked Seltzers
Wild Basin. .................. 14.99 12pk
Bon & Viv. ................... 16.99 12pkSmoked
Turkey Breast
Reg. $9.99 7.99 LB★ ★Full Service La Cheeserie & International Deli★ ★FRESH COFFEE BEANS
8.98 LB.Regular
$10.99Bonus7.98 LB★ From Our Selection of More Than 40 ★**- Costa Rica Tarrazu • Colombian Chocolate
- Italian Espresso Regular & Decaffeinated
- Organic Rain Forest • Danish Breakfast**
Regular & DecaffeinatedMocha Java★ Le Rougette (Germany) 13.99 lb.
Cheddar (Australia) 6.49 lb.
Fourme d’Ambert (France) 9.99 lb.
★ Fontal Fontina (Italy) 8.99 lb.Tomme de Savoie (France) 13.99 lb.
Aged Prima Donna Gouda 10 Mos ( Holland) 11.99 lb.
★ Emmenthal (Switzerland) 6.99 lb.Cotswold (England) 11.99 lb.
Brie d’Amir 60% (France) 6.49 lb.
★ Aged Pecorino Toscano 3 Mos (Ital y) 6.99 lb.Galbani Bel Paese (Wisconsin) 8.99 lb.
Chevrion (France) 9.99 lb.
★ Stilton (England) 11.99 lb.Huntsman (England) 12.99 lb.
Aged Tillamook Cheddar 18 Mos (Oregon) 8.99 lb.
★ Iberico (Spain) 8.99 lb.OF THE WORLDCHEESESCHEESESSpecial
PurchasePurchaseSpecialSpecial
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Cervelat
Garlic Salami
Reg. $9.99 8.49 1/2 LBVirginia Baked
Reg. $7.99 6.99 LBCitterio
Prosciutto
Reg. $14.99 12.99 LBSpanish Serrano
Reg. $11.99 9.99 1/2 LBBlack Forest
Reg. $13.99 10.99 LBFine HamsTrois Petits Cochons
Fine PatésMousse Truffee
Reg. $9.99 8.99
1/2
LBPoivre Noir
Reg. $8.49 7.49
1/2
LBFresh
Egg Salad
Reg. $7.99 6.99 LBCitterio
Genoa Salami
And
Mortadella
w/Pistachios
Reg. $7.99 5.99 LBNorwegian
Smoked Salmon
Reg. $22.99 19.99 LB
Pre Sliced Package
Sullivan Harbor Farm
Smoked Salmon
Reg. $19.99 17.991/2
LB
Hand Sliced to OrderBaguettes
Baked By
Reg. $2.99 1.99 EAKalamata
Greek Olives
Reg. $9.99 8.49 LBSmoked
Turkey Breast
Reg. $9.99 7.99 LBRegular $10.99Champagne & Sparkling Sale
Eugene III Blanc de Noirs...............27.99
Henri Abelé Brut .................................29.99
Henri Abelé Brut Rosé... .........................32.99
Laurent-Perrier Brut .................................36.99
Moët Impérial ........................................41.99
Roederer Brut ......................................39.99
Taittinger Brut .....................................41.99
Veuve Clicquot Brut ..........................46.99
Louis Pommery Brut ..........................16.99
Roederer Estate Brut ........................21.99
Albrecht Cremant d'Alsace Brut • Rosé ....16.99
Gracieux Chevalier Crémant de Bourg ....16.99
Paul Cheneau Brut Cava ...........................9.99
Valdo Prosecco.......................................11.99Small Batch Bourbon & Rye Sale
Basil Hayden’s • Rowan’s Creek ....36.99
Bulleit Bourbon • Rye ...........................29.99
Knob Creek 9 Ye ar Bourbon • Rye .........26.99
Maker’s Mark 46 ...............................34.99
Noah’s Mill Small Batch ......................52.99
Woodford Reserve Bourbon ....29.99
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked ...52.99
Catoctin Creek Rye ............................34.99
High West Double Rye • Prairie ..............32.99
Redemption Bourbon • Rye ....................27.99
Te mpleton 4 Ye ar Rye ...............................34.99
WhistlePig 10 Ye ar Rye........................69.99Liqueur • Mixology Sale
Aperol Reb $5=17.99 .............................22.99
Baileys • Disaronno Amaretto ........24.99
Cointreau .............................................31.99
Domaine Canton ...............................32.99
B&B • Drambuie ...............................34.99
Grand Marnier...Reb $6=22.99 ...28.99
St. Germain • Frangelico ..............27.99