Many people enjoy white wines in warmer weather, but others like what they like! I always tell people don’t drink what you’re ‘supposed to drink,” drink what you enjoy. There are many great white wines to choose from in the value range.
While Chardonnay remains the biggest selling varietal in the United States, it’s not a wine that is great for sipping on the porch. I believe Chardonnay is better with food or appetizers. But this time of year it’s great to be outside on a Sunday afternoon with friends enjoying the cooler temperatures and sharing a glass of wine.
Let’s start with some wines that are really easy to find. Most supermarkets will have a Riesling. The great German wine is produced by wineries around the world, including right here in Indiana. I’ve tasted many of the Indiana-produced Rieslings and most of them are a good alternative to the heavier Chardonnays.
Ste. Michelle Riesling and Dr. Loosen Riesling can be found in many groceries and I would recommend either. The Washington state Ste. Michelle whites are widely distributed with two different bottlings in the value wine range. One is around the $18-$20 while the other is usually under $10.
Dr. Loosen is a German winery that has been owned by the same family for more than 200 years. Their inexpensive labels are better than many others at twice the price. A good Riesling will not have the heavier characteristics of a Chardonnay. It’s often light in color with a hint of apricot or melon flavor. When you take the first sip of a Riesling you’ll think citrus. Some Riesling will be more acidic than others, making them better to pair with food. Others will be as smooth as a chilled soda.
Riesling will have a different finish and after taste than the Chardonnay or big whites you may have tried. Riesling is seldom aged in oak barrels. Instead, the great Rieslings of Germany, France, and those made in the United States are aged in stainless steel. The difference is a much more pleasant finish with a lighter aftertaste.
Other great lighter white wines include Pinot Grigio or Pinot Gris. Several different Grigios can be found in markets or any wine outlet at very reasonable prices. If you get into a wine shop, Italy and Spain make some great white wines at rock bottom prices.
For those of you who looking for a summer or fall wine with a little more body and structure, try a rose’. The rose’ market has exploded the last few years. Most people look at pink wine and think White Zinfindel. Have you seen the bumper sticker: “Friends Don’t Let Friends Drink White Zinfindel” – if not, heed its message any way.
I discovered rose’ wines about four years ago and always have several in the wine rack from early spring to late fall. Rose’ can be manufactured from a wide selection of grapes. I like Grenache-based rose. But you’ll also find Sangiovese, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cabernet and even Malbec based Rose’.
Don’t worry about the grape names mentioned above. If you’re a casual wine drinker you’ve probably heard of Pinot Noir – or remember it from the movie Sideways. You may have heard of Sangiovese, which is the great Italian grape. Grenache is a little less known to casual wine fans but big in some Spanish and French wines.
Good rose’ is lighter than red wine and dry to very dry. Carve up some cheese, grab some crackers, and twist the cap or pop the cork and enjoy a sophisticated summer/fall drink. Your friends will be really impressed!
A word of warning: Rose’ sales have really taken off worldwide. That means there are lots of wineries making a Rose’. There are some bad ones – ask for a recommendation!
This week we add Howard’s Picks to the column. I’ll offer up a specific wine or two each week. These are wines I’ve bought in Indiana.
I’ll usually note exactly where I bought them in my wine blog I update 2-3-4 times a week: Grape Sense - A Glass Half Full.
Howard’s Picks:
Cruz de Piedra, a Grenache based rose’, is one of the best I’ve found. I’ve seen it in numerous Indiana wine shops. You won’t find it in any grocery. It’s fresh and crisp with a hint of strawberry. The alcohol is a little higher than most whites at 13.5 percent. You’ll find it in most shops under $13.
“A Day without Wine is like a Day without Sunshine.” – Louis Pasteur
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