I know, I know; I seem to always start these columns with a reference to the weather, but wine, weather and their enjoyment, at any given time of the year, are interdependent. It’s never too hot or too cold for wine, it’s always a good time for a wine that works with the weather you’re in.
Right now, for the hot and humid weather, here are a few to consider:
Candoni, 2016 Pinot Grigio, Provincia di Pavia IGP, ($12.99) has a silvery straw color, with aromas and flavors of apricot, honeycomb, limestone, and dried fruits and nuts with a satiny, vibrant, fruity light-to-medium body. Add a graceful, complex, medium-long raspberry- lime zest, and Turkish delight finish with fine, fruit tannins and no oak. A beautiful, delicate, serious expression of pinot grigio.
Pinot Gris is the same grape as Pinot Grigio, but when a wine is identified as a Pinot Gris, it is generally a more full-bodied, more complex, more age-worthy wine. The best examples of Pinot Gris come from Alsace in northeastern France and Oregon. These wines are have excellent weight on the palate, good acidity and ripe apple and pear fruit with a distinct spiciness and a dry finish. Most examples are aged only in steel, but some producers in Alsace will age Pinot Gris in large, older wooden casks, which can add a touch of spice as well as additional texture.
Some of the best in the world come from Hugel et fils. The Hugel Classic Pinot Gris 2014, ($22.99), this wine has quite a deep, intense color, with pronounced straw yellow hints, it is nicely bright, with silky tears that run tightly down the side of the glass. The bouquet is soft and supple, intense, characteristically open and expressive, with fully ripe fruit notes, apricot, greengage, licorice stick, a touch of buttery brioche, sesame seed, pistachio and fresh hazelnut. The wine fills the mouth, it is rich and well-constructed, suave, velvety, soft and almost juicy, with a nice long aromatic finish.
If you’re looking for a white with less sweetness, look for Schug 2017 Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma Coast, ($25.99) This well-balanced Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from cooler vineyards in the southern end of the Sonoma Coast AVA. The Hi-Vista vineyard in western Carneros and the Grossi vineyard north of Petaluma contribute spice and bright tangy acidity. The Leveroni vineyard south of Sonoma contributes the unique floral character of the Sauvignon “musque” clone, with lush fruit flavors reminiscent of melon, honeysuckle and grapefruit.
These flavors are enhanced by the creamy richness of fermentation and aging on the yeast in older (neutral) casks. It finishes with a lively acidity that makes it an ideal accompaniment to a wide range of soups, salads and shellfish dishes.
If you’re looking to go sparkling, look for a bottle of Albino Armani Prosecco,NV, Casa Belfi Colfondo,($21.99).This one has aromas of bread dough, toasted hazelnut, pressed wildflowers and an earthy whiff of brimstone, giving it a crisp palate, along with citrus and yellow apple notes. Made with grapes cultivated according to biodynamic farming practices and fermented with wild yeasts, it’s a fascinating expression of Prosecco that will please everyone.
Hope everyone is enjoying a beautiful Summer!
Talk to The Wine Guy at jdris8888@gmail.com
