White Should Be Right
You’re outside, sitting on a sun-drenched patio, feeling that strong Spring sun on your face with a glass of ice-cold chardonnay in your hand. But, except for the ice-cold part, you’re not anywhere in South Boston, let alone the Boston Metro area! This weather’s the pits! On the off chance that we’ll be able sit out anywhere warm sometime before the Fourth of July, here are some whites that should be right.
Sequoia Grove, 2016 Chardonnay, Caneros, Napa Valley, California, ($21.99), is a great starter. The first aromas are of green apple and pear, followed by fresh toast, lemon custard, and toasted walnuts. Background notes of nutmeg and lemon zest fill out the nose. On the palate, this wine is elegant, with notes of caramel and fresh citrus, matched with a lemon curd mid-palate. This Chardonnay is bright, vibrant and really well-balanced.
2018 Justin Sauvignon Blanc, Central Coast, California, ($15.99), reflects the diversity of the climates and soils in the Central Coast that range from the cool, limestone- laden Templeton Gap area to the warmer, sandy, river-influenced eastern regions. Justin’s combined Sauvignon Blanc from vineyards in these unique areas to give this beauty a full array of bright citrus fruit and herbal notes, balanced by a crisp, refreshing mineral structure. This is a perfect food pairing wine for an amazing range of cheeses, seafood or light dining options, like appetizers or tapas.
I haven’t mentioned Chilean wines lately, though it’s certainly not because there’s a shortage of wines worth mentioning. Casas Del Bosques, 2015 Late Harvest Riesling, Casablanca Valley, Chile, ($19.99),is an example of the newer segments of wines being produced in the fog-shrouded, western end of the valley. Intense flavors of apricots, honey and clementine, great balance and a super-long finish.
Think of a slightly lighter version of Eiswein, less syrup and more balance. Great value at this price!
Sancerre is a small wine district in central France, famous for its crisp, aromatic white wines made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes. It is also known for its high-quality goat cheeses, which are an excellent match for the local wine. The vineyards here surround the eponymous town, which sits atop a bean-shaped hill overlooking the river Loire. The classic Sancerre wine is white, bracingly acidic, and has pungent aromas of gooseberries, grass, nettles, and a hint of stony minerality.
Daniel Chotard 2017 Sancerre, Loire Valley, France, ($28.99),is a classic.He and his family have been making wine for eleven generations; Daniel recently passed the reins of the cellar over to his son, Simon, who makes wines of impressive balance, finesse, and maturity for his young age. This 2017 is no exception. An intense exotic nose lures you in before the minerality channels the lightning energy of this pure Sauvignon Blanc, jostling you wide awake. Shellfish, salads and grilled chicken dishes all benefit with this one.
You’ve got the list; all you need now is another 35 degrees and you’re all set!
Talk To The Wine Guy at jdris8888@gmail.com
