Sipping the crisp and refreshing Novy Four Mile Creek White as I watch the 2012 NFL Draft. As usual, the SEC is dominating.
And speaking of the South, this time of year, it starts to get awfully warm. Not the oppressive, melt-your-face type of heat we endure mid-summer, but very warm nonetheless. Now, to be honest, when its 98 degrees out with 100 percent humidity, wine ain't my drink of choice. Agua is my preferred bevie. Not that I would turn down a crisp pale ale or even a lemonade...
The point is, this is the time of year when we spend a lot of time outdoors, and what better to accompany your time in the sun (or shade - it is pretty hot) than a light, refreshing vino. I'm relatively new to this style of wine, but am constantly impressed by their versatility and easy-drinking character. Lighter, acidic, unoaked (or barely oaked) whites pair extremely well with a lot of the foods that we like to eat this time of year: shellfish, white fish (think: speckled trout), fresh fruits and veggies, and artisinal cheeses. Crisp whites are pretty good on their own, too.
Not heavy or cloying, as some white wines can be, these wines hit you with apple, pear, honeysuckle, wet stone and spice flavors. Most are pretty well balanced, with a zippy acidity that finishes clean and refreshes the palette. Many of these wines have slightly lower alcohol levels (sub-14%) as well, so they won't weigh you down in the Southern spring heat. Lighter, balanced, lower alcohol wines have been a staple in Europe for centuries, and are starting to gain traction here in the New World. A recent weekend in New Orleans affirmed this as I was able to sip on Trimbach Pinot Gris and Hugl Gruner Veltliner while dining on flamenkuche and pulled pork at Luke Restaurant on a warm Saturday.
Some of my recent favorite wines of this refreshing style include: the aforementioned Novy Four Mile Creek White, Grey Stack Rosemary's Block Sauvignon Blanc, Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc, Trimbach Riesling, Dr. Loosen Riesling, Kilkanoon Riesling, Ponzi Pinot Gris, Alderbrook Pinot Gris, King Estate Pinot Gris, Chateau Ste. Michelle Dry Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris, A to Z Chardonnay, Villa Maria Chardonnay, LinCourt Chardonnay Unoaked, Mer Soleil Silver, Morgan Chardonnay Metallico.
What are some of your favorite warm-weather whites?
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