Sponsored by Bruce Watson at White Stone Wine & Cheese.

Summer brings much more than warmer temperatures...wines for summer differ from their wintertime brothers.  Today we look at some great newly released wines for the upcoming months of warm weather and sunshine.

Apothic Red. A great blend from California for the summer.  Inspired by the “Apotheca,” a mysterious place where wine was blended and stored in 13th century Europe, Apothic Red offers “A captivating blend of three distinct grapes, with the dark fruit flavors of Syrah, brambly spice of Zinfandel, and smooth elegance of Merlot” according to the winemaker.  And best of all, he was right.  It is perfect for the warm afternoon grilled burger or steak.  Not overpowering, it gives all the best characteristics of a red wine—balance, light tannins and a smooth finish.  $20

Broadbent Vinho Verde. Vinho Verde is the most popular white wine from Portugal.  It is deliciously refreshing and has a hint of spritz.  “Verde,” meaning “green,” refers to hint of lime color in the wine.  This Vinho Verde is the only such wine to be imported on refrigerated containers.  The wine is one of the freshest tasting wines you will ever drink.  Ideal for the warm weather, it is excellent for lunch and picnics and equally at home as an evening aperitif.  Great stuff with fish, shellfish and poultry.  $12

Shaps & Roucher Meursault 2005 1st Cru “Les Cras.” The MAISON SHAPS & ROUCHER-SARRAZIN is a joint venture between two friends, two winemakers and two countries.  For the past 16 years, Michel Roucher-Sarrazin was the winemaker and general manager for the Maison Chartron et Trébuchet in Puligny-Montrachet. Michael Shaps, a former intern for Michel, has been a winemaker-consultant in Virginia for the past 13 years.  With their great passion for the wines of Burgundy, Michel and Michael have joined forces to produce wines from their location in Meursault. Small lots of wine from Burgundy’s most famous vineyards (including this one) are the trademark of this partnership.  The 2005 is one of the most elegant wines that I have tasted in the past year.  All the great tastes of a Classic French Chardonnay without a hint of oak make this wine very different from the many great Chardonnays from California—but of course I think Burgundies are the best wine in the world.  If you taste this wine you just might agree.  Limited supply-$20 on sale.