Monday, June 5, 2017

What to Drink to Beat the Heat



“Strawberries, Cherries and an Angel’s Kiss in Spring”

No matter what Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazelwood might think, generally, that is NOT what makes for a good summer wine. 
Sometimes hot is good. There’s your cute neighbor; the summertime song you just can't get out of your head; that upcoming vacation; that annual AWS picnic.
And then sometimes hot is bad. It’s bad when there’s an absurd heat wave washing over the country (thanks a lot global warming!).  That usually happens during the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix. You know what we mean.  It’s the kind of heat that's causing your sweat to have sweat.
So what do you do under these circumstances? You’re certainly not going to give up drinking wine, right?  Do you switch to lagers? Not a chance! As much as we like the occasional Iron City or Miller Hi-Life (it is the Champagne of Beers after all), we’re wine folk at heart.
Here’s a suggestion. Try bone-dry wines that cut through the oppressive heat like a hot knife through butter:

·         Txakoli: Say it with me: Chock-O-Lee! Think of chock-full of minerals and flavor but no fruit. This Basque wine is difficult to pronounce, but easy to drink. So good the folks at your local Fine Wine and Good Spirits store usually carry a few as Special Orders during the warmer months.

·         Vinho Verde: Light bright crisp and refreshing, and of course cheap, cheap, cheap. Decent mass-produced versions can be had for around $9, but bump it up to $15 and you get something very good.

·         Godello: Another Spanish wine, smooth, and dry. They are usually around $15 at the State Store

·         Riesling: Because it is the Summer Wine. Truly good year-round, this wine especially shines in the hottest time of year. Check out the dry offerings from Germany, and the sharp offerings from Australia. The Finger Lakes produce some fantastic, dry, crisp Rieslings, too.

·         Rosé: The spring and summer go to wine.  They range from barely pink and dry to full, rustic and bursting with berry fruit.  These were very well received at our "Drink Pink" tasting.  The Fine Wine and Good Spirits stores have a wide selection, too.

·         Lambrusco: I know what you're thinking red wine lovers.  I left you out.  It's grilling season, and you need something that can stand up to grilled meats. The solution: an Italian sparkling red, with flavors of berries and herbs. (Not all Lambrusco is Riunite)


So don't let the heat get you down, grab a bottle and raise a toast to the weather. These are just a few favorites.  What are your summer time wines? Post a comment and let us know!

Keep checking the blog for new tips, tricks and recipes!

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