“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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