Like a good fire extinguisher, a cache of crisp, refreshing wines always is a useful thing to have on hand. After all, you might not have to use a fire extinguisher often, but when you do, you’ll be glad you have one around. And even though we’ve been lucky with the summer weather in our area this season so far, it will eventually heat up — and when it does, like a fire extinguisher, you’ll be prepared with a few wines that are within reach to help you cool down on a warm summer evening on the porch or an afternoon picnic in the park.
Here is an assortment of wines to keep your internal temperature from hitting the boiling point. Best of all, at less than $15 a bottle, these value-oriented wines will definitely help your wallet keep cool this summer as well. All you need is an ice bucket É and a hammock couldn’t hurt. Retail prices are approximate.
The 2008 Andeluna Torrontés ($10) from the Mendoza region of Argentina is made from the Argentine white wine grape, torrontés. It is grown in the foothills of the Andes and produced in collaboration with world-renowned winemaking consultant Michel Rolland. Vinified without oak, this medium-bodied wine has great structure with aromas of acacia flowers, jasmine, peach and grapefruit. Abundant acidity keeps the bright flavors of tropical fruits, nectarine and citrus fresh and the finish crisp. Great with pasta salad or grilled seafood.
I also like the 2008 Croney’s Three Ton Sauvignon Blanc ($14) from Marlborough, New Zealand. Most Sauvignon Blancs from New Zealand are made with grapes from vineyards that yield seven to eight tons of fruit per acre. This winemaker crops his yields all the way down to three tons per acre — which concentrates the fruit and provides amazing character. Lovely tropical fruit and pineapple flavors play across the tongue, refreshing the palate with each pass. This would pair well with steamed mussels or raw oysters.
I really enjoy Rieslings and the 2006 Gainey Vineyard Riesling ($13) from Santa Ynez, Calif., is one of the reasons why. The 2006 vintage in the Central Coast region was long and cool, so the grapes ripened slowly and evenly, developing great flavors while retaining high levels of acidity. The bouquet is full of honeysuckle, apricot and citrus peel scents. More apricot notes join flavors of pineapple and orange rind to fill the mouth on a well-balanced frame. The crisp finish keeps the palate refreshed.
Here’s a white wine blend that hits all of the high notes for relief on a hot day. The 2008 Clif Bar “The Climber,” White Blend ($11) from California is a blend of sauvignon blanc, pinot blanc, chenin blanc and muscat and the combination delivers a wonderful bouquet of tropical fruit, honeysuckle and citrus. The layers of pear, white nectarine and peach flavors in the mouth is kept light and in balance with loads of crisp acidity. A twinge of sweetness on the lengthy finish adds just the right touch and makes this wine a good choice for either an aperitif or a match with sesame noodle salad.
I would be remiss if I did not mention at least one Rosé wine. Rosés are great summer wines because they’re flavorful, light and fun to drink. The 2008 Quo Rosé ($10) from the Campo de Borja region of Spain is made from grenache and delivers loads of young, fresh fruit on the palate — including bright strawberries and red raspberries. The long finish has just a hint of watermelon — and who doesn’t like watermelon on a hot day? Serve it well-chilled with grilled salmon or a fruit and cheese plate.
Sparkling wines are a great way to beat the heat and add a celebratory note at the same time. From one of the oldest wine establishments in Spain, the NV Codorniu Brut Pinot Noir Rosé Cava ($14) provides thirst-quenching notes of bright red cherry, wild strawberry and a touch of brioche. The medium bubbles deliver the flavors over the entire palate and onto the finish, where hints of pomegranate join in for an extra layer of depth. A wonderful choice to enjoy with lobster salad or baked brie.
Another fun sparkling wine is the refreshing Non-vintage Zardetto Prosecco ($14) from the Veneto region of Italy. Floral notes of peach and orange blossom fill the bouquet while lively flavors of green apple, orange rind and grapefruit stay light and crisp on the palate. The effervescent bubbles keep the palate rejuvenated and ready for another sip — and maybe a bite of grilled shrimp.
And last, but certainly not least, the 2008 Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc Reserva ($9) from the Casablanca Valley in Chile is a perennial favorite around our house. The crisp, clean flavors of grapefruit, melon and nectarines stay bright on the palate and kicks off any party on the right note. It’s an awesome pick to enjoy with shellfish.
