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Best Summer Wines Under $100: Jamie Hormel Shares Her Must-Haves

The exterior of Jamie's Bottle Shop in Scottsdale

Jamie Hormel, owner of the iconic Wrigley Mansion, enjoys the finer things in life—and by that, we mean fine wine.

This year, Hormel popped the cork on Jamie’s Bottle Shop in Old Town Scottsdale—a place for wine lovers and explorers of all levels to gather. Inspired by Hormel’s personal collection, the 2,300 square-foot store is home to over 700 wine labels, with prices ranging from as low as $15 per bottle all the way up to $15,000 a pop.

Beyond the storefront, Hormel wanted to make Jamie’s Bottle Shop a total wine hub for “cork dorks”, as she calls them, and “curious amateurs” alike. So, she had local interior design firm Mendil + Meyer Design Studio add a signature “Champagne Room” where weekly tastings and classes take place; intimate tasting tables where patrons can enjoy expert wine pairings with a scratch-made food menu; and her very own “Reserve Room,” a temperature- and humidity-controlled space designed to house Hormel’s collection of rare and collectible wines.

“As we crafted the vision for Jamie’s Bottle Shop, I knew that if the concept was going to have my name on the door, it needed to be a space where wine lovers can explore without the pretension—whether you’re a seasoned sommelier or just starting your wine education journey,” Hormel says. “Jamie’s Bottle Shop is all about discovery, conversation and finding that next bottle you’ll absolutely love.”

Whether you love red, white or rosé, Hormel has you covered. Here’s what the wine expeditionist has been sipping all summer long.

5 Summer Wine Selections From Jamie Hormel of Jamie’s Bottle Shop

Bottles on a shelf

1. Pol Roger Brut Reserve Non-Vintage Sparkling Champagne

“This is my go-to bottle of bubbles. It’s ready to go to a party, a dinner with friends, or really any occasion. Plus, it’s just so tasty!”

Producer: Pol Roger Village


Region/Country of Origin: Epernay, Champagne, France


Grape Varietal: Pinot noir, pinot meunier, and chardonnay from across 30 different crus


Tasting Notes: Aged for four years in the cellar before release, this wine blends a beautiful chalky minerality, lemon zest, almond curd and hints of fresh-baked brioche with soft red berries. It’s fresh, layered and lively, with the most delicate bubbles that dance on the palate.


Food Pairing: I love Champagne with French fries or potato chips, and if you want to gild the lily, add some caviar. The way we serve it at the bottle shop is my favorite way.

2. Domaine de Marquiliani ‘Gris de Marquiliani (Rosé)

“This is my ride-or-die rosé because of how refreshing and easygoing it is without being boring. And in a world of crushable but mass-produced pink drinks fighting for the top spot in summer, I want something that supports small families and unique regions. The fact that it’s a female producer is just a bonus. This is a wine from winemaker Ann Amalric, from a remote corner of the island where you’re more likely to roam with cows than anything else.”

Producer: Domaine de Marquiliani


Region/Country of Origin: Corsica, France


Grape Varietal: Sciaccarellu (95%), Syrah (5%).


Tasting Notes: The fruit is so softly pressed that it has the faintest color. With two red grapes making such a soft rosé that is seemingly weightless, ethereal and full of character, it’s like island magic in a bottle. Notes of white peach and melon mix with a soft floral, herbal scrub that transports us to the island and refreshes us with a hint of sea spray minerality.


Food Pairing: This wine pairs so perfectly with charcuterie or a tomato salad.

3. Sans Liege Wines ‘Picpoul Carbonique’ (Orange)

“This is my choice for an orange wine because its electric energy and dynamic freshness have me ready for any summertime adventure or relaxing day by the pool. Curt has made wine and had a passion for decades. When traveling the Rhone Valley, he had an experience that fueled his dedication to follow his passion and think outside the box.”

Producer: Sans Liege Wines/Curt Schalchlin


Region/Country of Origin: Paso Robles, California, United States


Grape Varietal: 100% whole cluster, carbonically produced Picpoul


Tasting Notes: This orange is lively with energetic citrus, a zesty minerality and juicy pink fruits that make it extremely refreshing and endearing. Picpoul is a grape from the South of France, where the full name, Picpoul de Pinet means “to sting the lips” because of its high, refreshing acidity.


Food Pairing:
I love pairing an orange wine like this with either a classic Caesar salad—including the Caesar sandwich we have at the shop—or birria tacos. The zesty acidity and layered fruits play well with the brine-driven saltiness of anything Caesar and cut the richness of the tacos.

Wines and provisions on shelves

4. Domaine Bitouzet Prieur Bourgogne Aligoté (White)

“A white Burgundy is always going to be one of my favorites, and this region will always have my heart. It’s fun to see the Aligoté grape, something a bit different from the easily found chardonnay. This is a pick of mine because François’ wines are always lively, layered with history and finessed with a complexity and balance that reminds me of a great ballet in liquid form.”

Producer: Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur/François Bitouzet


Region/Country of Origin: Meursault, Burgundy, France


Grape Varietal: Aligoté


Tasting Notes: With iconic crushed stone minerality and soft citrus overtones, Aligoté gives a bit more textured fruit like golden apples, quince and under ripe pear with great texture and hints of toasted hazelnuts.
Food Pairing: I love herbed grilled chicken or a vegetable-heavy pasta with this wine.

5. Ca’Marcanda ‘Magari’ (Red)

“If I’m entertaining, simply grilling with the family or just want a full red that won’t weigh me down in the heat, a super Tuscan is my go-to. The complexity of the cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon with the rustic charm of the petit verdot is what always draws me into this wine.”

Producer: Ca’Marcanda/Famiglia Gaja (Angelo, Gaia, Rossana and Giovanni)


Region/Country of Origin: Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy


Grape Varietal: Cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot


Tasting Notes: A project from the famous Angelo Gaja, this all started in the 1990s, when he decided to challenge himself with beautiful cabernet grapes from the Bolgheri region. A family project, this dedication and passion shine through. Magari is rich, complex and full without being brash. Notes of black currant, cherry and blackberry are tied up with Mediterranean herb, black tea and hints of pine. A voluminous palate, rounded with a long finish, and tannins that are fine and silky, it’s the perfect red for a summer evening and hearty meal.


Food Pairing:
Grab a good, fatty steak like you would find in Tuscany, give it a bit of salt, grill it to perfection, and you will have the perfect pairing for this wine.

For more, go to jamiesbottleshop.com

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