New Belgium Somersault Ale

Last week I picked up a 6 in Atlanta (alas I don't think it's available in Birmingham). Delicious! "Easy drinking summer ale tumbling with citrus notes."

1912 Ventoux - 2009

This red blend from Provence is 60% Grenache, 40% Syrah is a great everyday red with a nice balance of fruit and spice.  Cycling fans will note that Mont Ventoux is the rock-covered moonscape that is frequently a stage finishing point on the Tour de France. Its height is 1912 meters, thus the name. Very Good.

The website is good too with a flash presentation about the mountain.

Available in Birmingham at Whole Foods.

Chateau Bonnet Entre-Deux-Mers 2009

This is a blend of Sauv Blanc (50%), Semillon (40%) and Muscadelle (10%).  An easy-drinking summer white. Thanks, Claire, for bringing this to our attention.  Very Good. 

U.S. Wine Market Appears More Robust

June 1, 2011
 
Domestic wine sales grew 7 percent last year, according to the Wine Institute in San Francisco. And, the Los Angeles Times reports Americans are ordering more bottles when they dine out, rather than single glasses.

http://www.npr.org/2011/06/01/136845559/the-last-word-in-business