Refreshing Warm Weather Wines

Por fin: Verano! We’re so happy that we’ll say it again: Summer is finally here!  It’s time to lighten up what’s in our glasses with some delicious white wines and rosés from around the world. We’re all happy drinking full-bodied red wine with hearty cold weather fare, but now that the temperature is rising and the days are getting longer it’s time for lighter cuisine, lighter flavors, and less calories. 

Yes, less calories. White wine usually has a lower sugar content and therefore a lower alcohol percentage than heavier reds, giving us the perfect reason to start drinking them again, especially as bathing suit season is lurking around the corner.

Just for comparison, many red wines, especially those made in the new world, tend to have over 15% alcohol levels while crisp clean white wines usually register closer to 11% or 12%. But keep in mind that we’re talking about the crisp and dry white wines like the ones we’ve listed below and not sugary sweet Moscato that tends to be popular with the younger wine drinkers. As much as they’re delicious, some of them have sugar levels and calories that can rival a can of soda. We prefer to end a meal with just a small glass, they’re perfect as a substitute for a big dessert.

Here are some of our favorites from around the world, most of them in the  $10 – $20 range.   

From Chile:

Viña Tabali Talinay Chardonnay has a beautiful yellow color with a slight green tint.  It has strong mineral and tropical fruit aromas with a full-bodied mouth-feel and a pleasant finish. Serve with your favorite mariscos, like this Shrimp in Tamarind Sauce.

Miguel Torres Cordillera Chardonnay is straw colored with delicious aromas of Granny Smith apple, roasted hazelnuts, and buttered toast. It’s crisp and fresh in the mouth and the delicate acidity gives you a lasting finish. We love this one with poached salmon or this Mango-Glazed Salmon.

Here are some of our favorites from New Zealand:

Kumeu River Village Chardonnay is pale straw colored and has clean lime and lemon blossom aromas with a crisp, clean, mineral driven finish. Drink this one on its own or serve with light fare like Grilled Pulpo.   

Babich Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is a nice mouthful of mixed fruit, with flavors of passion fruit, pear, and lime joined by a dash of chopped green herbs. Raw oysters or clams taste great with this delicious example of a well-made Sauvignon Blanc. 

Here are some of our favorites from California:

Vina Robles White 4 is a blend of Viognier, Vermentino, Verdelho, and Sauvignon Blanc. It has notes of tropical fruits, honeydew melon, guava, and honey in the bouquet. It’s round and medium bodied in the mouth with a pleasant finish. Great to drink on its own or serve with light salads. 

Heitz Cellar Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc is pale straw colored with a green glow.  It is fresh and fruity in the bouquet and in the mouth with just a touch of green herbs in the finish. This goes perfect with your homemade Guacamole or spicy Caribbean food like Jerk Chicken.

Here are some of our favorites from Italy: 

Tenuta Santa Maria alla Pieve “Torre Pieve” Chardonnay is straw colored with lovely aromas of white peach and green apples.  It is a delightful Chardonnay and pairs well with a variety of lighter foods. 

Livio Felluga Pinot Grigio is straw yellow with nice reflective qualities. It has aromas of white flowers, peaches, grapefruit, and tropical fruits in the bouquet and its balanced in the mouth with a nice amount of minerality. Think about pairing this with this Green Risotto.