In this edition, I am going to jump right in: As we are spending more time at home and outside, I am bringing you a little guide to spring/summer wines. 

By Jeffrey Cohen

When the heat is getting to you and you are seeking the perfect, refreshing glass of wine, these are the characteristics that you should be looking for:

• High acidity
• Light to medium body
• Dry taste

If you happen to grab a bottle of sweeter wine, just try to make sure it also has a good amount of acidity. There is a harmony between sweet peaches and honeycomb that finishes with hints of citrus.

Many white wines have a good bite to them, making them wonderful partners to seafood as well as cream-based dishes.

Riesling

Available in both sweet and dry versions, it is one of the most aromatic wines out there. This refreshing option makes a well-rounded choice for your meal because it is so versatile. The sweeter style will pair extra-well with your spicier dishes. The drier style is perfect for grilled chicken and most comfort foods.

Sauvignon Blanc

Like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc traces its roots back to France. It is known as Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume in the Loire region and is the most prevalent grape in the white wines from Bordeaux. The “Sauv. Blanc” grape acts as a true barometer of soil, site and viticulture practices. Plainly said, it picks up very different characteristics depending on where it is grown. However, wherever it is grown and whatever distinct flavor profile it has, it will always be medium to high in acidity. That is why it is a perfect wine for the heat.

Pinot Grigio

Also known as Pinot Gris, this typically comes from Italy and France, although there are fine Pinot Gris that come out of the Pacific Northwest, especially from the Willamette Valley of Oregon. Depending on the region that it is grown, the flavor profiles can vary mightily. This, in my opinion, will be the lightest and easiest to drink just as an aperitif before dinner or a cocktail.

Soave

The most common flavors of Soave are peach, honeydew, citrus zest and sweet marjoram with subtle notes of saltiness. Like Pinot Grigio, it gets its roots from Northeastern Italy. Garganega is the grape which is grown in the hillside vineyards east of Verona, in the Veneto wine region. There are three main subregions of Soave: 

• Recioto di Soave
• Soave Classico
• Soave Superior

Albarino

Spain’s quintessential white wine is a delightfully refreshing coastal white that grows on the Iberian Peninsula. To be a little more specific, it is grown in Rías Baixas in Galicia. It is loved for its stone fruit flavors and a hint of salinity. It pairs amazingly with all types of seafood and can handle a little spice as well. The next time you are served paella, make sure to have a bottle of Albarino.

A lot like Pinot Grigio, this wine is for the perfect summer day on the patio. Don’t think about pairing it with food. Just drink, be refreshed and enjoy.

So ……… these are a few highlights for the upcoming season and rising temperatures.

DELIVERY SERVICE FOR RETAIL WINE

Delivery Service is available in Cordillera Ranch to our membership. Take advantage of Jeff’s expertise to find the wines you enjoy, saving time and trips outside the Ranch. Retail Wine has been a very popular program, and with deliveries to your front door, you can relax in the comfort of your home. A simple phone call to set up a delivery time is all that is needed. Most wine orders are filled within a week —some as soon as the next day. We want to make this the most convenient wine purchase you have ever had!

Stay safe and I’ll see you at the Club……

Jeff 

Jeffrey Cohen is the Wine Specialist at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. He can be reached at jcohen@cordilleraranch.com or 210.677.9234.