I hope the Van Halen reference in the title wasn’t totally lost… That song always gets me revved up for the summer. That means its time to start keeping a few more bottles of your favorite whites in the fridge, as they tend to be ultra refreshing this time of year. With it still being a buyer’s market out there in the wine world, there are some super values on some fantastic white wines.
The Finger Lakes region of New York has come a long way in their production of the Alsatian white varietals. Standing Stone offers a very reasonable Gewurztraminer that is perfect for those summer barbecues. Very floral in nature with a nice combination of lychee fruit, spice and just a hint of sweetness. Wine Express is one of the few places you will find this diamond in the rough, and at a great price.
Provenance is better known for its Merlot and Cabs (as it is located in Rutherford), but they make a delightfully crisp Sauvignon Blanc as well. Plenty of lemon and lime zest, apple and grapefruit on the palate. It also has a pleasant mineral component and good acidity that make it a glorious summer selection. You can pair this Sauvi Blanc up with any light seafood or chicken dish as well. It usually runs around $12-19 but Rye Brook Wines has put this on a super sale price.
http://www.ryebrookwines.com/r/products/provenance-sauvignon-blanc-2007?id=WHmCINB7
If you want to know what summer in a bottle tastes like, look no further than King Estate’s Pinot Gris. Year in and year out it is one of the standouts of Oregon’s white wine arsenal. Hints of melon and floral notes interact wonderfully with the vibrant citrus and peach flavors that linger on the palate right through to the finish. This bottle typically runs about $15-20, but the Bottle King chain sells it for under $14 and sometimes under $12.
http://www.thewinebuyer.com/sku20372.html
For those Chard fans searching for that wine around $10 that tastes like it should run closer to $20, the search is over. The Columbia Crest Grand Estates Chardonnay is a tremendous value and will please those who enjoy the clean, crisp style of this varietal as well as those who prefer it soft and rounded with that buttery mouth feel. It has generous aromas of green apple and caramel with just the right amount of vanilla and oak to round out the finish. Beautiful on its own or paired with some hearty shellfish right off the grill! You can find this one just about anywhere and it should run between $9-12.
As always if you have a favorite summer white feel free to share it with us! Cheers.
Marshall Tilden III, DWS, CSW 