Best Father’s Day 2020 Wine: Seven Wines To Brighten The Day

Father’s Day 2020 is upon us. Many of us will celebrate as usual, but for others celebrating our dads is quite different in these days of the pandemic and sheltering at home. We can still have a barbeque, a picnic, or a brunch as long as we practice social distancing. For some, it may be a virtual gathering with our dads since the distance precludes us from getting together. Whichever way you choose to celebrate, there is one thing that remains constant; we still can serve wine to toast or fathers.

Here are some of my suggestions for the best Father’s Day 2020 wine.

Father’s Day 2020 Wine Sparkling

J Vineyards Cuvée 20 Brut: This sparkling wine has dad written all over it. Blending Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, I found an elegantly, lively wine with small bubbles. The bubbles do not overwhelm you. They are subtle and add the overall ambiance of the wine. Aromas of lemon and apple lead to a palate of Meyer lemon, stone fruit, and apple. This Brut is one of my favorites that I sampled this year.

Father’s Day 2020 Wine White

Famiglia Pasqua Passione Sentimento Veneto Bianco 2018: Since we are all passionate about our fathers, why not enjoy a wine that is all about passion and feelings because that is what Passione Sentimento means. This Veneto wine consists of Garganega and utilizes the Appassimento technique, the drying of grapes, to add another dimension to the wines. The wine is slightly sweet with citrus notes on the nose and stone fruit on the palate. The wine ages both in stainless steel and French oak.

Father’s Day 2020 Wine Rosé

Domaine Lauriga Le Gris 2019: This Grenache Gris wine creates a very light pink color that delivers us with a very fruity wine showcasing aromas of red fruit and flavors of citrus and cherry with a little spice on the finish.

Château Lauriga Rosé 2019: This Cotes Du Roussillon wine combines Syrah with Grenache Gris. This Rosé is bright and balanced with subtle flavors that make it not overbearing. I love the subtleties of this wine. I found aromas of melon and roses while on the palate, I found citrus and cherry.

Father’s Day 2020 Wine Red

Beronia Reserva 2015: I found this wine an excellent value for a Rioja reserve. Blending Tempranillo, Graciano, and Mazuelo into the traditional styled Rioja, but what makes this wine different is the oak treatment. Instead of just using American oak, the wine ages in both French and American oak making a modern application to an old-world wine. With flavors of cherry and cocoa, the wine is well rounded and balanced.

Famiglia Pasqua Passione Sentimento Veneto Rosso 2017: Like its counterpart, the Bianco, this wine also has a passionate quality that speaks to the love we all have for our fathers. Blending Merlot with Corvina and Croatina through the use of the Appassimento method, the grapes are left to dry. Vinification takes place separately in steel tanks, after which the wine ages for three months in oak tonneau barrels. The character reveals a fun wine to drink. I found currant and raisins layered against red fruits with spice on the finish. The wine has a little punch to it. I do recommend aerating or letting the wine breathe.

Famiglia Pasqua Amarone Della Valpolicella 2015: This would make an exceptional wine for a barbeque. Blending Corvina, Rondinella, Corvinone, and Negrara, the grapes after harvesting are left to dry for three months. The grapes come from the northeastern part of Valpolicella, called Valpantena, which means Valley of the Gods. The wine ages for18-20 months in French oak except for a small portion that ages in large cherry-wood barrel. I discovered a rich, full-bodied wine with aromas of currant, cherry, mocha, and tobacco. On the palate, the flavors of prunes, raisins, and dark cherry accented by mocha, tobacco, and some baking spices and some sweetness on the finish.

Have a Happy Father’s Day 2020; however, you choose to enjoy your day with dad. Just remember to stay safe and wear a mask when necessary to protect you and your father this Father’s day.

Note: Common to the wine industry, this writer received hosted wine samples. While it has not influenced this review, the writer believes in full disclosure.