Springtime Patio Pounder 6 Pack
Pricing is available as long as supplies last.
SALE CLOSES THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025, at noon.
ALL WINES ARE AVAILABLE FOR PICKUP starting FRIDAY, May 9th, at 5 pm.
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Hi everyone –
We are in for a fantastic week of weather. The sunshine will return, the cool evenings stay in place, and the bugs are not yet out. You know what that means? It’s patio pounder season!
First, let’s define this term.
“Patio”
Noun. A patio (/ˈpætioʊ/,[1] from Spanish: patio [ˈpatjo]; “courtyard”, “forecourt”, “yard”, “little garden”) is an outdoor space generally used for dining or recreation that adjoins a structure and is typically paved.[2] In Australia the term is expanded to include roofed structures such as a veranda, which provides protection from sun and rain.[3]
“Pounder”
Pounder is a surname and may refer to Rafton Pounder (1933-1991), an Irish politician.
A rice pounder is an agricultural tool, a simple machine that is commonly used in Southeast Asia to dehull rice or to turn rice into rice flour.
Pounder is an EP from Nuclear Assault, released on June 1, 2015.[4] It is the band’s first EP since 1988’s Good Times, Bad Times, and their first studio recording since 2005’s Third World Genocide.
“Patio Pounder”
A wonderful glass of wine, often served chilled, is immensely affordable and, as the cool kids would say, “crushable.” Often, it is consumed faster than the drinker may expect, only to be followed by another round.
Rules regarding patio pounders
It is proper form to top off your guest’s cups before topping yours.
Multiple bottles are essential, so keep them nearby and at the ready. Bonus points if you have them in a fridge in the garage.
The patio-pounding community debates whether the outdoor temperature must be a minimum of 70 degrees Fahrenheit, but the modern consensus favors ignoring this old-fashioned rule. The only requirement for 21st-century patio pounding is that the wine be cold and consumed outside.
Springtime Patio Pounder Six Pack, May 2025
This is a perfect and fun collection to have at the ready. Three whites, three rosé, all great bargains and with their own personalities. All are from Europe and came in pre-tariff pricing (so they will all be more expensive soon).
This is honestly my go-to collection for the next month or two. Each wine is dynamic and fun, great on its own or with food.
Lungarotti Grechetto “Il Pometo”: Picture this: the rolling hills of Torgiano in Umbria, Italy, bathed in the golden light of a spring afternoon. That’s where Lungarotti has been crafting their magical elixirs since 1962. The Grechetto grape, a local favorite, thrives in this region, giving us “Il Pometo”—a wine that’s as refreshing as a dip in a cool stream. It’s got that zesty lemon tang, a hint of green apple crispness, and a touch of almond nuttiness that’ll make your taste buds dance. Pair it with a light pasta dish like tagliatelle with peas and ham, or a fresh caprese salad. The wine’s acidity will cut through the richness like a knife through butter, leaving your palate as energized as a puppy’s tail.
Produttori di Manduria “Alice” Verdeca: Ever been to Puglia, Italy’s sunny heel? It’s like a giant, warm hug from Mother Nature. This Verdeca from Produttori di Manduria is a hidden gem, a delightful surprise like finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. It’s got that lovely blend of citrus and green apple, with a touch of minerality that makes it sparkle like a fairy’s laughter. This wine is a fantastic companion to a summer seafood feast. Imagine grilled shrimp skewers sizzling on the barbecue, or a mixed seafood platter fresh from the ocean. The wine’s crispness will complement the sweetness of the seafood, while its minerality will enhance the flavors like a culinary conductor.
Cognettes Muscadet Sur Lie: Welcome to the Loire Valley, France—a picturesque place, like a painting come to life. The Cognettes estate has been crafting wines here since the 19th century, and their Muscadet is a testament to their skill. This wine is like a crisp, cool breeze on a hot day, with its classic minerality and zingy citrus finish. It’s perfect for a springtime oyster roast or a summer lobster roll. The wine’s bright acidity will cut through the richness like a hot knife through butter, while its minerality will highlight the natural brininess of the shellfish. It’s a symphony of flavors!
Mont Gravet Rose Vin de France: This rosé is delightful, a blend of Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah grapes from various regions in France. It’s beautiful, with a pale pink hue, and it has a taste of strawberries and cream that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. This wine is perfect for sipping on a lazy afternoon, and its versatile profile pairs well with various dishes. Imagine a summer picnic, with a charcuterie board, a fresh salad, or grilled chicken. The wine’s fruity notes will complement the savory meats and cheeses, while its acidity will balance the richness of the dishes like a tightrope walker balancing on a wire.
Pratsch Rose from Austria: This Austrian rosé is a blend of Zweigelt and St. Laurent grapes, and it’s a real treat. The Pratsch estate, located in the Burgenland region, has been crafting wines since the 1980s. Their rosé is a lovely cherry red, with a taste of red fruits and a touch of pepper that’ll make your taste buds tango. This wine is like a lively Viennese waltz in a glass, offering a delightful balance of fruit and acidity. It’s a beautiful expression of Austria’s wine scene. This wine would be a great match for a springtime dinner, paired with a dish like Wiener schnitzel or a fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette. The wine’s fruity notes will complement the crispiness of the schnitzel, while its acidity will balance the dish’s richness. I love this wine dearly. (Insider’s hint: it’s available by the bottle at most of the Blue Plate Restaurant Company locations at a bargain price.)
Aragosta Rose Alghero DOC: Welcome to the stunning island of Sardinia, Italy—a place where the sun shines bright, and the wines are as beautiful as the scenery. This rosé from the Aragosta estate is made from the Cannonau grape, a local variety known for its robust character. It’s like a beachside sunset in a glass, with its lovely coral color and taste of ripe berries and a hint of spice. This wine would be a fantastic pairing for a summer barbecue. Imagine grilled lamb chops sizzling on the grill, or a mixed grilled vegetable platter. The wine’s fruity and spicy notes will complement the smoky flavors of the grill, while its acidity will balance the richness of the dishes like a see-saw in perfect harmony.
Final thought
May in Minnesota is so beautiful, so cherished, and so fleeting. Take the time in the nice evenings to pop a fun bottle of wine, grill some simple and delicious food, and soak in as much of the joy as possible. Don’t take the beauty of Minnesota in May for granted.
Thank you, everyone! We couldn’t do this without YOU!
Jason and Angela Kallsen
Co-owners, Twin Cities Wine Education
Jason Kallsen
Sommelier and founder/owner of Twin Cities Wine Education
Offer and special pricing are available as inventory lasts