Chardonnay & Pinot Grigio Need Not Apply
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1) Albariño: Spain is super hot for wine right now (well,
and this time of year, it’s super hot in general) and
Albariño is their signature white. The classic grape of
the Rias Baixes region in Northwestern Spain makes
wine with great almond and hazelnut notes, light peach
and green apple fruitiness, and “razor-sharp” (Jancis
Robinson’s words, not mine) acidity that makes this
perfect for seafood pairing, or a great crisp refresher on
a hot summer’s day.
2) Vinho Verde: Portugal makes more than just Port my
friends, and this non-fortified style is one of their
signatures. Offered in both white and red, we see more
of the white in the U.S. that often uses Albariño in its
blend along with others like Loureiro and Trajadura.
Some specific markers of Vinho Verde (literally “Green
Wine”) are a lemon or straw-gold color and a slight
pétillance that isn’t quite semi-sparkling, but definitely
lively on the palate. Vinho Verdes often present green
apple and citrus tones with an occasional grassiness, and
they’re meant to be enjoyed young (hence “green”.)
3) Viognier: We dodge from the Atlantic coast inland a
bit to the Rhone Valley of France and home to this
classically underrated white. Viogniers tend to run
higher in alcohol, with bigger, richer flavors than some
other whites. My markers for Viognier include its often
deep gold color and bold honey and honeysuckle nose
with an acidity that is overshadowed by all of it. Ripe
rich tropical fruits like mango and pineapple can show,
as can ripe peaches and apricots along with an orange or
orange blossom undercurrent. California is falling in
love with this grape, and you’re seeing more U.S.
produced versions.
4) Rousanne: We don’t have to travel but across the
street in the Rhone to discuss Rousanne, and you get
fined 10 Euro by Sarkozy if you don’t mention it
alongside its Wondertwin partner, Marsanne. Rousanne
is notoriously difficult to cultivate, but has unique
aromatics of vibrant wildflowers and tea leaves, a
wonderfully dominant acidity, and less fruit-forward
notes than other whites. Blended with low-acidity, citrus
and almond showing Marsanne, you get a cool blend that
make it a unique choice that can make you the hit of the
garden party.
5) Chenin Blanc: Chenin dominated the California wine
scene in the early 70’s, but has since taken a back seat to
its Barry Bonds-esque overly-muscled cousin,
Chardonnay. A native of France’s Loire Valley, this
versatile grape makes whites, sparklers, dessert wines…
even brandy. It can be tricky to pull a great wine out of
Chenin, but the best show a light honeysuckle and
orange blossom, and often enjoyable honeydew,
cantaloupe or tangerine notes. Paired with the bright
acidity usually found with his varietal, and you have
yourself a great mid-day glass for patio sipping.
and this time of year, it’s super hot in general) and
Albariño is their signature white. The classic grape of
the Rias Baixes region in Northwestern Spain makes
wine with great almond and hazelnut notes, light peach
and green apple fruitiness, and “razor-sharp” (Jancis
Robinson’s words, not mine) acidity that makes this
perfect for seafood pairing, or a great crisp refresher on
a hot summer’s day.
2) Vinho Verde: Portugal makes more than just Port my
friends, and this non-fortified style is one of their
signatures. Offered in both white and red, we see more
of the white in the U.S. that often uses Albariño in its
blend along with others like Loureiro and Trajadura.
Some specific markers of Vinho Verde (literally “Green
Wine”) are a lemon or straw-gold color and a slight
pétillance that isn’t quite semi-sparkling, but definitely
lively on the palate. Vinho Verdes often present green
apple and citrus tones with an occasional grassiness, and
they’re meant to be enjoyed young (hence “green”.)
3) Viognier: We dodge from the Atlantic coast inland a
bit to the Rhone Valley of France and home to this
classically underrated white. Viogniers tend to run
higher in alcohol, with bigger, richer flavors than some
other whites. My markers for Viognier include its often
deep gold color and bold honey and honeysuckle nose
with an acidity that is overshadowed by all of it. Ripe
rich tropical fruits like mango and pineapple can show,
as can ripe peaches and apricots along with an orange or
orange blossom undercurrent. California is falling in
love with this grape, and you’re seeing more U.S.
produced versions.
4) Rousanne: We don’t have to travel but across the
street in the Rhone to discuss Rousanne, and you get
fined 10 Euro by Sarkozy if you don’t mention it
alongside its Wondertwin partner, Marsanne. Rousanne
is notoriously difficult to cultivate, but has unique
aromatics of vibrant wildflowers and tea leaves, a
wonderfully dominant acidity, and less fruit-forward
notes than other whites. Blended with low-acidity, citrus
and almond showing Marsanne, you get a cool blend that
make it a unique choice that can make you the hit of the
garden party.
5) Chenin Blanc: Chenin dominated the California wine
scene in the early 70’s, but has since taken a back seat to
its Barry Bonds-esque overly-muscled cousin,
Chardonnay. A native of France’s Loire Valley, this
versatile grape makes whites, sparklers, dessert wines…
even brandy. It can be tricky to pull a great wine out of
Chenin, but the best show a light honeysuckle and
orange blossom, and often enjoyable honeydew,
cantaloupe or tangerine notes. Paired with the bright
acidity usually found with his varietal, and you have
yourself a great mid-day glass for patio sipping.
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| There are no grapes here, but it's pretty, isn't it? |
| Five Great Wines For Summer by Kyle McHugh |
