Warmer Weather Wines
As we get into the warmer weather, people’s tastes turn towards white wines, especially dry whites. One of the reasons why is that a dry white, as opposed to a semi-dry white, like Chardonnay, will actually cool you off more. The tartness of these wines causes a decrease of perspiration from the more than 2.5 million eccrine glands on our bodies. More good news-they taste good, too.
Here are a few to consider…
Two Angels 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, High Valley, Lake County, California, ($17.99). Crisp, tangy and well balanced, this wine is energized by vivid citrus and herb flavors. A medium body and nicely concentrated lemon and lime notes make it extra appealing on the palate. Lake County’s cool nights and limestone -dominated soil make this wine extra dry, flinty like a good white Bordeaux and really well-suited to lobster, cherrystones, oysters and garlic butter-fried mussels.
Staete Landt, 2018, “Annabel” Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand, ($18.99), has an intensely aromatic classic nose with ripe nectarines, tropical and citrus characters. The palate has a soft velvety texture with abundant peaches and grapefruit flavors. Chalky & salty characters rounded off in an elegant mineral finish. The subtle oak character gives the wine fantastic palate weight and texture. This wine is drinking well from now on, but will increase in complexity and reward cellaring for up to 5 years. Tremendous with grilled pork chops, hearty Lobster Roll or Chicken Marsala with mushrooms.
PEJU Province sauvignon Blanc, NV, Napa, ($20.99).Aromas of white nectarine, passion fruit, lemon curd and hints of minerality are this wine’s signature trademark. Fresh and lively on the palate with balanced acidity, the flavors are a perfect combination of tropical fruits, grapefruit and lime zest with hints of mango, guava and fresh pineapple. Any seafood you serve will be enhanced by this one.
Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc,2017, Sonoma County, Russian River, 375ml. ($22.99). While I haven’t mentioned this line of wines as much as I should, going forward, I’m going to make a conscious effort to do so. This and all of Merry Edwards’ wines are huge! Lush and layered with notes of pineapple, peach, and citrus, this is always one of the definitive Sauvignons of California. Rich, creamy, and balanced, it shows abundant notes of vanilla before the long finish. Peppered Shrimp with Dill Sauce, Lobster Savannah and Broiled Red Snapper are fantastic complements.
Pieropan Soave Classico Veneto, 2018, ($1499),is an elegant and focused white that opens with heady scents of yellow stone fruit, spring blossom and wild herb. It has a vibrant, savory palate that delivers apricot, pineapple, Meyer lemon and white almond notes, all melded into a surprisingly long finish. Coconut Shrimp, Nantucket Bluefish and Seabass all love this one.
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