By Carolyn Evans-Hammond
Wines relatively high in acid, such as Pinot Grigio, Verdicchio and Muscadet, make great beat-the-heat drinks. They come off as bracing, especially chilled down a few degrees to ratchet up that refreshment factor. But summer has its share of damp days and cooler nights too and these times call for fuller-bodied, “comfort wine” whites where the acid is hidden beneath richer flavours.
(For recommended whites and sparkling wines scroll down.)
More than the weather influences wine selection. Bubbles add sparkle to a celebratory moment and fruit-forward thrillers get the party started, while subtler styles can add instant elegance to an occasion – taking it up a notch. Style matters and matching the summer white to the moment says you’re serious about pleasure. Although what you pour says as much about you as your shoes, wristwatch or choice of reading material, it also directly influences how much fun you’ll have this summer. It’s about selfish, unabashed, pure fun. So, here’s a crash course to take you through the season.
Crisp Quenchers
The sun is hot, the sky is clear and you’re in quaffing mode. This is the time for a lot of zip per sip. You want something lighter-bodied and reasonably low in alcohol, something supremely drinkable. Vinho Verde, Grüner Veltliner and German Riesling immediately spring to mind. They tend to be high in acidity and brimming with zingy citrus-squirt flavours. They are great on their own or maybe with a handful of salted nuts, but paired with spicy chicken skewers straight off the grill, they’re magic.
Richly Textured Treats
Drizzly days and chilly evenings call for something to swathe the palate. An oaked Chardonnay with its creamy dimension, a fat Semillon with its almost oily texture or a mouth coating, generous Pinot Gris fits the bill. The best versions still offer that palate-cleansing acidity, but it’s not as stark as the quencher category. Cupcake Vineyards Chardonnay is excellent with roast chicken, classic Caesar salad, poached lobster dipped in butter or simple pasta in a cream sauce. Semillon, with its paraffin and peach nuances and sleek texture, is delish with goat’s cheese salads, pork tenderloin or Dungeness crab. Pinot Gris, brimming with spiced stone-fruit flavours and aromas, rocks spicy Asian noodle dishes such as Pad Thai or even simple spring rolls.
Sparkling Wines (that won’t break the budget)
Times when you want to celebrate – be it a good hair day, tough Wednesday at the office, or the fact it’s seven o’clock and you’re slapping steaks on the grill – demand affordable bubblies. Inexpensive sparkling wine starts off as toast tipple and extends to aperitif, foil for finger food or vinous alternative to a bottle of beer. A nice dry Prosecco, Crémant de Bourgogne or cava immediately come to mind here – crisp, effervescent and light. Select a good bottle from a reliable producer and you’re good to go. Chill it down, serve it with plain chips, green olives or smoked salmon on toast points and it’s an easy recipe for “happy.”
Full-Fruited Thrillers
Fruit-forward wines make stellar cocktail alternatives to pour when friends drop by. They sip well rain or shine, afternoon or evening. Fine examples include New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, which sprints like a thing possessed across the palate, sassy little blends such as Ménage à Trois White from California, which is as riveting as the name suggests and lychee and rose-scented Gewürztraminers such as Fetzer’s Valley Oaks’ version, also from California, which has you at “hello.” Full-fruited thrillers in the fridge are bottled parties on standby. Throw together a few salty snacks and you’re done.
Lean and Mineral-Laden Gems
Summer situations that call for extra elegance – think garden parties, patio dining or a little afternoon sip à deux – call for lean, minerally wines. In fact, summer just wouldn’t be summer without them. Certainly Chablis, with its unmistakable wet-stone character and understated fruit, captures this style most succinctly, Sancerre, Verdicchio, Muscadet and certain Canadian Rieslings, such as the one by See Ya Later Ranch from right here in British Columbia, are cut from the same stylistic cloth. Sancerre adds a touch of flinty flair, Verdicchio is edged with bitter almond and Muscadet promises a slight herbaceousness, but they’re all restrained, refreshing, and refined – and high in palate-cleansing acidity. These wines won’t upstage a meal or a moment but will almost always enhance it. What’s not to enjoy?
Recommended Whites and Sparkling Wines
A powdery, talc-like character underpins flavours and aromas of lemon zest, Bosc pear and cashew in this Prosecco. It is dry, restrained and delicate with bracing acidity.
Displays fresh, vibrant, bright aromas of citrus and green apple. The palate bursts with more pure fresh green fruits. Magical with all types of Asian Cuisine - the adventurous may enjoy our Riesling with dim sum, or Asian BBQ.
Classic scents of lychee and rosebud lead to an off-dry palate with balancing acidity in this medium-bodied Gewürztraminer. Flavours flit from lychee to peach to white cherry and spice. An outstanding rendition of this grape variety.
A delightful Chardonnay at an incredible price with fruit salad flavours of peach, pear and apple in your glass. A perfect match to BC salmon recipes.
This wine seems modeled on fine French Burgundies, with their subtle power, taut fruit and judicious use of oak. A buttered toast nose leads to flavours of lemon zest, cooked apple and fresh figs with a top-coat of caramel and spice.
