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BARTENDER'S
WINE EXPERT: JOSEPH DELISSIO |
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WHITE WINES OF SUMMER
by Joseph DeLissio |
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SAUVIGNON BLANC
My top white wine of summer are produced from the Sauvignon blanc graped which is made in several styles. My preference for summer drinking is the clean, crisp, weedy, unoaked versions. New Zealand produces some of the greatest Sauvignon blanc values in the world and Babich Vineyards may very well offer the most Sauvignon blanc bang for the buck. From the Loire region of France classic Sauvignon blancs are produced from Sancerre and Pouilly Fume. California also produces some very good Sauvignon blancs from producers like Markham, Mondavi, and Silverado Vineyards. Incidentally it was Robert Mondavi who coined the popular name "Fume Blanc" which is another way of saying Sauvignon blanc. Italy and South Africa also produce good value Sauvignon blancs.
RIESLING
Called by some the most versatile white wine grape in the world, Rieslings greatest wines are from the Mosel and Rhine regions of Germany. Stylistically produced from very dry to extremely sweet.
With aromatics described as floral, peach, oily, and perfume Riesling is an excellent choice for summer drinking. German Rieslings are usually low in alcohol, high in acidity, and possess some degree of sweetness. Some very good German producers are Selbach, J.J. Prum, and Dr. H. Thanisch. When produced in France, America, and Austria, the wines tend to be drier and higher in alcohol.
PINOT GRIGIO
Italy's most popular white wine is a safe choice that seldom disappoints. Though not usually very complex, it goes down soooo easy. It is usually an excellent value although some popular brands, Santa Margarita for instance, have become quite overpriced. For great value try: Mezzacorona for about eight bucks, Plozner, and Lageder.
SPANISH ALBARINO
From the northwest coast of Spain in a region called Galicia where the fragrant Albarino is produced. Martin Codax, and Burgans offer two excellent examples of just how good these exotic honeysuckle-scented wines can be.
MANZANILLA SHERRY
Another fine product from Spain is Manzanilla sherry from Sanlucar De Barrameda. The words nutty, yeasty, and tangy are often used to describe this fortified wine which for many, is a bit of an acquired taste. Best served extremely cold and in small portions. This is a wine with a limited shelf life and must be consumed fresh. Hartley & Gibson's makes a good Manzanilla for about eight dollars. Other quality producers are Valdespino, Lustau, and La Gitana.
CHARDONNAY
For all you diehard Chardonnay fans look for lightly oaked offerings. Macon from France is a good choice that is often overlooked and undervalued. If you must have a little lumber in your wine, Australia's Penfolds produced an excellent Thomas Hyland bottling in 2001 that is worth seeking out.
Enjoy the summer and remember, always
--- "DRINK WELL" |
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