We attended a Passport to Argentina celebration and wine tasting at our local Central Market a few months back. Looking up to check which wine was next, I noticed glasses filled with ice and slices of lime. I was curious, as well as skeptical.  Ice in wine?

Well it turns out these refreshing spritzer sare all the rage with the jet setters and hip crowd in Argentina. Refreshing and low in alcohol, these are perfect wine selections for a hot day on the patio or by the pool. They also make a great addition to the end of summer Labor Day cook-out!

New Age White Wine NV

This fun wine from Bodegas Valentin Bianchi is a 50/50 blend of Malvasia and Sauvignon Blanc harvested from the vineyards in San Rafael, Mendoza. The color of new straw, the fruit and floral notes are light, yet intense, in balanced acidity. Best served cold and over ice, drop in a lime and serve as an apéritif or with spicy Asian cuisine. Just 9.5% alcohol by volume, it’s also a great addition to fruit-based cocktails! Pick up several bottles – this wine is priced around $11.

New Age Rose NV

A dark lipstick pink, the New Age Rose pairs perfectly with barbecued chicken. Floral with wild raspberry on the nose, this is a blend of 50% Malbec and 50% Merlot. Also sourced from vines in San Rafael, Mendoza, the grapes were picked by hand from the Valentin Bianchi Estate vineyards, then crushed and cooled. 12 hours of cold maceration pulls the color from the skins. Also just 9.5% alcohol by volume, served over ice this is the perfect refresher after a night of Salsa dancing! Priced around $11, it also makes a unique South American-style sangria.

Both of these semi-sparkling wines are available in wine shops and upscale grocery stores.

For a closer look at Bodegas Valentin Bianchi check out this video. Warning: It will make you thirsty!

Want more? You can read about another great Argentina sparkler also perfect for barbecue. And watch for our upcoming live blogging on red Wines of Argentina coming up on Thursday, September 16th!

Cheers!

The WineWonkette