Time for a mid-year check-in! If expanding your wine repertoire or simply trying to indulge in new experiences was part of your New Year’s resolutions, Shall We Wine is here to help you catch up. As we move past the halfway mark of the year and gear up for the summer season, outdoor festivities are on the horizon—think picnic charcuterie boards and BBQ cookouts—all begging for a fresh sip.

Part of your “new” bucket list might have even made you curious about diving into the world of organic wines. Let’s dispel a common myth: wines crafted from organic grapes can be just as delightful as their conventional counterparts. In the world of wine, organic labeling comes with various categories, all of which require confirmation by an independent third party. In the United States, according to USDA regulations, certain wines are designated as “made from organic grapes,” indicating that every grape used in the wine production was cultivated under certified organic conditions. To help kickstart your journey, here are three selections that not only hit the mark but also happen to be made from certified organic grapes!

Cameleon Signature Organic Chardonnay 2022

Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina

Varietal Breakdown: 100% Chardonnay

As temperatures climb in anticipation of summer, beat the heat with a refreshing glass of wine. This Chardonnay delights with its rich hue and notes of almond, caramel, and pineapple, along with aromas of stone fruit. Torrontés and Sauvignon Blanc may tend to be top of mind when thinking of Argentinian white wines. However, Mendoza’s high-altitude vineyards are also producing Chardonnays that are fresh, lively, and elegant—perfect for summer sipping. Encompassing 70% of Argentina’s winemaking output, Mendoza’s diverse microclimates provide a wonderful canvas for crafting lovely Chardonnays.

Cameleon Signature Organic Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina

Varietal Breakdown: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Malbec

Summer may be just around the corner, but that doesn’t mean we forget about red wine altogether. Enter this delightful Cabernet Sauvignon blend, boasting a fresh nose of red fruit and aromatic dried herbs. On the palate, bold oaky notes mingle with succulent cherries, blackberries, and raspberries, all wrapped up with the vibrant character of the season and smooth tannins. This wine offers a medium finish that’s versatile enough to complement those steaks and smoky ribs you throw on the grill. While beer often steals the spotlight at outdoor cookouts, let’s not forget the magic of pairing wine with the salty, fatty, and sweet flavors of barbecue fare!

Danaus Red Blend 2022

Costers del Segre, Catalonia, Spain

Varietal Breakdown:  45% Tempranillo, 45% Garnacha, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon

With the seasons changing, a refreshing beverage is essential, and we’ve got you covered. Danaus Plexippus, derived from ancient Greek meaning ‘sleepy transformation,’ is the scientific name for the monarch butterfly. Named after King William III of England, also known as the Prince of Orange, this butterfly’s wings prominently feature the color orange… a great way to encapsulate the rich brightness of the season to come. D.O. Costers del Segre in Spain boasts a diverse terroir shaped by both Mediterranean and continental climates and various soil types, fostering the production of exceptional wines. This Danaus Red displays a medium to deep cherry-red color with vibrant purple undertones. It offers a balanced aroma of red berries, floral notes, and subtle woodiness. This wine even tastes great slightly cooled off between 58-62 degrees Fahrenheit. And much like the graceful metamorphosis of that monarch butterfly, a wine like this evolves, ultimately captivating the senses with its vibrant hues and intricate flavors, reminiscent of the butterfly’s majestic beauty in flight.

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Disclosure: Sample bottles of wines were received. Samples submitted to Shall We Wine are for review and thoroughly assessed before posting.