Don't you just love it! Summer is in full bloom. This means outdoors, fresh vegetables, warm breezes and cool wines. We all tend to eat lighter food in the summer, even with all that is available to us. Seafood, grilled veggies, salads, all are wonderful Summer fare that deserves refreshing light white wine to accompany it. Now I know I sound like I am anti Chardonnay all the time. Maybe I am. But it is only because there are so many delicious, fresh, and sultry whites to enjoy. That a lot of people either don't know about. Or are a bit afraid to try, because it's just easier to grab what you know. So trust me on this one. Be brave and have yourself a fun Summer, wine tasting with some of your friends that are in the same rut as you. Tell each one which bottle to bring. Put out some light cheese, veggies and crackers. And you can all experience some new white wines to enjoy for the rest of summer.
Here is my list of suggestions, in the order in which you should try them too. You always taste wines from the "lightest to the "heaviest". Just meaning the power of the wine's flavor. You want the experience to build as you go along and discover.
Happy Summer to you! Cheers!
Your Tasting List:
-Chenin Blanc. This white wine from France is a delightful experience. You'll notice a mineral crispness that will go beautifully with a soft brie cheese. A wine to sip all afternoon.
Suggestion: Chateau de Chamboureau Savennieres, price about 30.00 (really worth it!)
-Riesling. This wine has a green apple freshness and a bright acidity, that is one of the most food friendly wines you'll drink. Match this wine with fish, chicken, all kinds of cheese, even a big blue cheese. A real winner to bring to any dinner.
Suggestion: Robert Weil QBA Trocken Riesling about 20.00
-Pinot Gris. Not the "Grigio that many are familiar with. This wine is softer, with a sultry touch of a honey flavor to it.
Suggestion: Trimbach Reserve 2000 about 18.00
-Chablis: Not the scary jug wine you may be thinking of! A beautifully made Chablis is like a warm summer day in a glass. Delicate, fresh and full of wonderful fruit flavors. And is made from the Chardonnay grape! See I am not a Chardonnay hater after all. You'll be surprised how different is tastes from our American Chardonnay style of wine making. A true pleasure. Loof for green apple and caramel flavors.
Suggestion: Laroche 2002 Chablis "Saint Martin price about 25.00