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SouthwestBlend.com presents Wines For Summer by Mike Shelhamer. |
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Wines For Summer
As temperatures rise to 100 degrees and above, and we all settle in for another toasty summer in the great American southwest, it’s worth taking a few minutes to consider some different wine choices that are better suited to really hot weather. Put down the heavier cabernets and merlots and chardonnays for a while, and uncork some crisp, refreshing alternatives. White wines are a natural summer choice – a chilled, crisp sauvignon blanc from California’s Central Coast or New Zealand can be delicious on its own or as a perfect accompaniment to any number of the lighter foods that we gravitate to in the hot weather. Or try a riesling – they’re not just from Germany anymore. Not to say that good German riesling isn’t refreshing, beautifully sweet and amazingly complex in its flavors, because it usually is, but great examples of this classic varietal are now coming in from all over the world – Australia, New Zealand, Alsace (France), and of course, California and the Pacific Northwest. Few wines can match up with the heat, languor and sheer pleasure of summer like a cold, crisp Riesling – and it’s the best food wine on the planet any time of year, bar none. Don’t forget some of the other great white wines that seem made to order for summer – gewurtztraminer is a uniquely sweet-but-somehow-spicy white that not only makes a great aperitif, but also works as a perfect counterpoint to a spicy stir-fry. Pinot gris (pinot grigio in Italy) is becoming more and more popular, and rightfully so – it’s a beautifully crisp, slightly floral quaffer that goes very well with food and is delightful on its own. Chenin blanc is one of my all time favorite summer white – soft, slightly sweet and extremely satisfying. And other whites from far afield, such as Italian vermentino, Argentinian torrontes and Spanish albariño are great summer choices. And what about rosé? Yes, I’m talking pink wines here. I personally think that pound for pound, no other wine is as good a match for a really hot day as a crisp, semi-dry rosé. They go great with most foods and are beautiful just to sip on their own when the temperature’s really spiking – try a crisp grenache rosé from California, a Rhone or Provence rosé from France, or a Penedés or Navarra rosé from Spain. This isn’t white zinfandel – it’s serious (well, not too serious) wine that is just plain made for summer. Lastly, what about bubbly? It’s not just for weddings and New Year’s Eve. Most folks, even many wine lovers, seem to dismiss sparkling wine as unworthy of consideration for consumption on any regular basis, for reasons that completely elude me. Sure, French champagne is a little pricey, but wonderful domestic sparkling wines that taste great anytime and are especially satisfying on a hot summer evening are available at very reasonable prices. And what about Italian prosecco or Spanish cava? You may not have ever heard of either one, but they are dry, flavorful and immensely satisfying sparkling wines that are usually retail for not much more than $10. They go great with food and are a delight on their own. Here’s to summer! Cheers!
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