July Wine Tasting: Refreshing New World White Wines
Wednesday, July 13, 2022 7pm EDT / 5pm MDT
Summertime turns our thoughts to wines that are light in body, lower in alcohol and pleasant chilled, easy to sip on the front porch with visiting friends but with enough structure and vigor to stand up to our summer picnic foods, appetizers, seafood of all kinds!
Our summertime white wines are from the ‘New World’ – “home” wines that can be easily found in our local liquor stores and are a bit different than the hordes of Chardonnays and Sauvignon Blancs with whom we tend to be overly familiar.
Let’s branch out and sample several ‘New World’ white wines that may be new to you, all of which fit the bill for a budget friendly Summertime experience on the porch or at your Barbeque.
Purchase the Wine
You may substitute another Producer, but the wines should be of the same grape varietal and country/region as listed in the wine description
J Pinot Gris ($12.97)
J California Pinot Gris delights with notes of candied pineapple, lemongrass, white peach and jasmine. This wine is fruit forward with ripe flavors of Anjou pear, yellow apple and lime. The palate is complex with notes of orange blossom and a sliver of minerality.
Dry Creek Vineyards Fumé Blanc ($10.79)
Since 1972, Dry Creek Vineyard has produced Fumé Blanc — a wine at the heart and soul of their family winery. Modeled after the classic wines from the Loire Valley in France, their stainless steel fermented Fumé Blanc is crisp, balanced, and immediately drinkable. The 50th Anniversary Edition of Fumé Blanc emanates the classic Dry Creek Vineyard “house” style of Sauvignon Blanc. Aromatics of lime, lemon, white peach, and grapefruit leap forward from the glass with nuances of honeydew, lemongrass, and white tea. On the palate, the wine is intense and bright with tangerine, passionfruit, and cucumber. Underlying minerality and hints of hibiscus, lemon verbena, and jalapeño contribute to this wine’s refreshing, crisp finish.
Spier Seaward Chenin Blanc ($17.00)
Made from Chenin Blanc grapes grown only 15km from the cold Atlantic Ocean this is a wine with great freshness. Aromas of citrus, lime, peach, and honeydew. The palette is complex with ripe fruit and zesty lime finish
Tasting Glasses
Make sure to have three identical clear wine glasses with stems. This will ensure a consistent experience for comparing the wines.
Learning Environment
- A computer equipped with a camera and speakers (and/or a headset)
- A table with a white background
- A pencil or pen to complete your tasting form
- A glass of water
- Water, a spit bucket, wine opener (or Coravin if you have one)
Summertime white wines with good acid to fruit balance and some interesting citrus, stone fruit, and mineral flavors. These will go well as aperitif on the beach, on your porch, or paired with your favorite summertime entertainment ‘spread’ of cheeses, fruits, seafoods and even lighter BBQ meats and fishes. Try a variety of light foods, including some of these:
- Oysters, Clams, Mussels, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab, Sushi
- Frito Misto
- Fish, with lemon sauce
- Antipasto Platters
- Grilled or Fried Chicken
- Asian Spiced Foods
- Fruits and Fruit Salsas