Summer is a great time to explore new wines that fit the season...so with that in mind Rick Bowman will be pouring four exciting, diverse and compelling wines that should win you over. Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Bonarda, Grenache and Merlot are ready to strut their charms this Saturday at the AWM Tasting Bar, so grab a glass and a friend and meet Rick for a delightful and informative tasting.

2008 Tegernseerhof T-26 Grüner Veltliner; Wachau, Austria
A classic example of this grape variety, the 2008 T-26 beckons one into the glass with its abundant fruit, herbs and exotic spices on the nose. This wine exhibits a juicy, fresh melon character on the smooth, polished palate which is infused with minerality and ripe citrus notes as well as aromatic herbs and subtle white pepper perfume. Medium-bodied, elegant and very food friendly, this would pair up nicely with seafood or fowl and any vegetable dish. Finishes with lip-smacking length. Absurdly good value from vineyards in and around the village of Dürnstein on the Danube!
AWM Regular Price: $14.99 per bottle
Special Tasting Price: $13.49 per bottle or $11.99 by the case

2008 Bergström O Riesling; Oregon, USA
Bergström's 2008 Ö Riesling is a light, lively Riesling with scents of rose petal, quince, and lime on the nose. The palate offers big flavors of citrus, ripe apple, and dusty minerals. Thanks to progressive harvesting at different levels of ripeness, there is a whisper of botrytis, still, everything is beautifully balanced, with a lovely dry, citrusy finish. This makes a wonderful aperitif wine, and also pairs with seafood (crab, obviously!), salads, chicken, turkey, and spicy Asian cuisine.
AWM Regular Price: $13.99 per bottle
Special Tasting Price: $12.59 per bottle or $11.19 by the case

2008 Proviva Maipe Bonarda; Mendoza, Argentina
From 30 year old vineyards, this beautiful example of Bonarda is a serious bargain. Originally hailing from the Piemonte region of Italy, this grape arrived with the Italian immigrants and found its best natural home in the new world. Here is what the Wine Advocate had to say about it; "the purple-colored 2008 Bonarda offers an enticing bouquet of smoke, mineral, and blueberry. Round and ripe on the palate, it has surprising depth and length for its humble price. Drink this succulent wine over the next three years." Great with rich meat based pasta dishes, pizza and hard cheeses.
AWM Regular Price: $12.99 per bottle
Special Tasting Price: $11.69 per bottle or $10.39 by the case

2007 Domaine Charvin "a Côté"; VDP Pricipauté d'Orange, France
Charvin has a new offering, a blend of 42% Grenache, from 60-year-old and 45-year-old parcels, and 58% Merlot from much younger vines, aged for 18 months in concrete tanks, and bottled without filtration, it represents a gorgeous bargain. A deep ruby/purple-tinged color is followed by sweet black cherry, spice box, pepper, and unsmoked cigar tobacco notes. The wine possesses a ripe, round texture, and a long, lusty finish. This is pure hedonism at its best combined with the unmistakable character of Provence. Drink it over the next 1-2 years.
AWM Regular Price: $14.99 per bottle
Special Tasting Price: $13.49 per bottle or $11.99 by the case

Special tasting prices: 10% off the bottle and 20% off by the case, mix or match unless already discounted via a special price or sale price.