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Since its opening several months ago, The Wine Loft has taken off as one of downtown’s sipping-into-sunset hot-spots. Sleek and chic, the interior is contemporary comfortable and the wine list extensive. Proprietor Rob Meusmeche and General Manager Ryan Fairman work together with The Wine Loft creator, Jason Doyle, to keep the wine selections fresh and interesting. Their pick for August is from Oriel, a collective “of the best winemakers in the world….” They handcraft boutique wines in the regions where the grapes are best grown, so the wine best expresses the local soil, fruit, climate and culture. Baton Rouge’s oppressive August heat calls out to Oriel’s 2004 Portia, Bianco delle Venezie, an easy-drinking white from the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of Italy. Made from 45% Pinot Grigio, 45% Chardonnay and 10% Tocai Friulano, this wine is crisp and light with floral notes, hints of citrus and fresh minerals. Tasting of green apple and pear, it is, according to Ryan, “The perfect summer wine.” ($9 by the glass)