Wine Savvy on July 12, 2013 0 Comments Memorial Day through Labor Day is the “season” to fashionably wear white, and the summer is similarly great for white wines. Since white wines are traditionally served colder than red wines, the summer heat provides a great excuse to break out a crisp, cool glass. Check out these examples of summer white wines to put the finishing touch on your plans. Chardonnay source When the weather grows warmer and people gather on patios and lawns to enjoy the summer, the first type of white wine that comes to mind is often a California Chardonnay. The Chardonnay grape is one of the most popular for American winemakers, and a glass of buttery, oaky white is an almost stereotypical drink during the warmer months. Try the popular Sonoma-Cutrer or Toasted Head brands, or splurge with a bottle from one of many the luxury wine labels in the Napa Valley. Gewurztraminer Wines For those looking for more adventurous varieties of wine, try the Gewurztraminer varietal of white grape. Many of the finest wines from this notoriously fussy grape are made in the Alsace region of France, but other winemakers recently started experimenting with this varietal and are discovering great results. Gewurztraminer wines tend to be medium-dry with strong rose, lychee and other fruit aromas. Their sweet fruit notes make them a great choice to balance spicy cuisines, and they are also an ideal grill companion, pairing well with fatty and oily meats in particular. Search for the offerings from Lucien Albrecht in Alsace or, for a New World take, the Navarro Vineyards. Champagne & Sparkling Wines Summer picnics and evening garden parties often call for champagne or other sparkling wine, but bubbly often gives off too much of a decadent vibe for some and sometimes leads to notorious headaches the next morning. Split the difference for a calmer summer evening with a semi-sparkling wine such as the Vinho Verde. These Portuguese “young” wines come in red, white and rose varieties, but the common thread is their lightness, effervescence and refreshing acidity. Most Vinho Verdes are shockingly inexpensive, so it is easy to discover your personal favorite. The best summer wines are often lighter, crisper, and fresher than their red counterparts. All of these characteristics (plus their serving temperature) make a chilled glass of white the perfect way to set a summer mood. Discover the joy of these fruity, floral wines, and do not worry, unlike red wine, you do not need to worry about staining your white outfits.
