It is a constant ringing in our ears from every meteorologist to mom, stay hydrated. What could be better than hydrating with a chilled glass of cool white wine, especially when they are affordable enough to be enjoyed everyday. Some of these options were sent for editorial consideration, all will hit the spot on a 100 degree day.
If you like a wine that is a bit more medium-dry than completely dry, with floral aromas or ripe fruit flavors there is an Australian sparkler that may be perfect for you. Emeri Sparkling Pinot Grigio from De Bortoli Wine. I was a bit unsure of this wine, sparkling Pinot Grigio from Australia? But I learned that the that the winery had solid Italian roots, established by Northern Italian emigrants to Australia, Vittorio and Giuseppina De Bortoli in 1928. Their son Deen expanded the operation when he took over and married Emeri. Their children are involved in every aspect of the winery today, with family as the key to their success. The sparkler is a great afternoon by the pool wine as it has low alcohol, about 10.5%, with lychee fruit, honey blossom and blooming rose aromas.
MARTINI Moscato D’Asti is also wine on the sweeter side with a slight effervescence very low alcohol, about 5%, and 13% residual sugars. Made from 100% Moscato Bianco grapes in the Asti area of the Piedmont region of Northern Italy from grapes that are hand picked, slowly fermented and bottled young to preserve the freshness of the fruit. Low acidity with herbal and floral aromas leading to honey and ripe peaches on the palate. Great on its own, or as a mixer with your favorite clear spirit.
Try a MARTINI Moscatini, three parts MARTINI Moscato di Asti with one part Grey Goose, shaken and served very cold with a lemon twist.
Mirassou Winery in Modesto, California is also making a Moscato, with 2010 being their first vintage of this varietal from grapes sourced from the Central Coast region of California. Orange blossoms, ripe melon and peach, candied lemon peel and just the right amount of acid make this a lively, juicy summer sipper with a low alcohol level of about 8.8%.
If you lean towards a dry wine with crisp, bright flavors, especially for pairing with some of your favorite summer snacks try Pinot Grigio from Ruffino. Rufino embraces the celebration of f sitting down for meals with family, especially if it is a big Italian meal and makes wine for any dining experience. Their Lumina (Light) Pinot Grigio is ideal for your al fresco dining in the garden or on a patio with fresh, floral aromas with ripe tropical fruit and a hint of minerality, perfect paired with veggies right out of the garden and hearty Italian cheeses.
Da Vinci Pinot Grigio has a bit rounder profile from the surmaturo (late harvest) grapes they use for a portion of their 90% Pinot Grigio/10% Chardonnay surmaturo blend, heightening the ripe fruit flavors and creamy texture of the wine. A crisp wine with a clean palate, filled with apple, mango and citrus.
Snoqualmie Winery in Washington State has had a long commitment to making wine from organically famed land with sustainable practices. They were one of the first in Washington to make wine with USDA certified organically grown grapes. And, it is good. I am a fan, both for their practices and the clean, natural flavors found in their wine. Their 2009 Sauvignon Blanc is filled with lemon and orange zest and pineapple aromas with a hint of mineral and fresh fig and citrus flavors.
Cellar No. 8 Chardonnay is an uncomplicated wine with balanced fruit and acidity making an approachable and easy drinking Chardonnay. Filled with banana, peaches and green apple this wine, from grapes primarily grown in Santa Barbara County, CA, can pair with anything from a summer salad to a light white fish or roasted chicken.
