Last Sunday was the Summer Solstice meaning that it was the longest day of the year (sunrise 5.27am to sunset 8.31pm). Summer has finally arrived in the Northeast and it’s time to take a break from those hearty reds and enjoy some refreshing, easy-sipping white wines. 

You won’t see a Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio in my list below. It’s time to leave your comfort zone and explore other wines. For those who say “I only drink red”, it’s time to be open-minded and try some rosé https://bobthewineguy.net/2015/05/20/tis-the-season-for-pink-wines/

 Always serve whites chilled. These wines are refreshing to drink alone or are well-suited for light appetizers, seafood, soft cheeses and white meat dishes.

BODEGAS LA CANA Albarino 2013

Rias Baixas, Spain $16. Albarino grape is high in acidity and this wine with 15% oak barrel fermenting has added texture and richness. Albarino is a perfect food wine. Alvarinho (Portuguese varietal) is used for the lightly Vinho Verde wine in Portugal.

 Tanzer rating 91 says “Green-tinged yellow. High-pitched aromas of lime zest, green apple, ginger and chalky minerals; showing very good clarity. Bright and nervy on the palate, offering bitter citrus fruit and quince flavors and a sexy floral nuance. Weightier on the persistent finish, which features fleshy pear and melon character and repeating minerality … For the category and its level of quality this wine is a steal.”

LONG MEADOW RANCH Sauvignon Blanc 2013

Napa Valley, California $18.  We visited LMR winery on a recent trip to Napa and had a fantastic tour of their caves built into the hills above Rutherford. This is one of the better Sauv Blancs from a wide selection of California Sauvignon Blanc.

Wine & Spirits 90 rating says “Initially flinty and tight, this estate-grown sauvignon blanc opens to the richness of orange and thyme-scented fruit, its roundness peppered with warmth. The smoky lees character makes it feel intriguing, lending the wine stature and placing it with grass-fed veal.”

ROCCA DELLE MACIE Moonlite 2013

Tuscany, Italy $11. Great value wine that was introduced at the Palm Bay spring tasting. The blend is 35% Chardonnay, 30% Vermentino, 20% Pinot Grigio, 15% Trebbiano sourced from Rocca Delle Macie estates in Maremma.

Straw-yellow color with pale green reflections, intense aromas of white flowers with hints of flint, fresh minerality balanced by toast and citrus notes.

PEWSEY VALE RIESLING 2014

Barossa Valley, Australia $15. Pewsey Vale Vineyard is a specialist single varietal vineyard for Riesling. The Eden Valley Riesling is medium dry with nice balance of acidity and minerality, ideal for medium-term cellaring.

 Wine Spectator rating 91 says “Taut, sleek, polished and distinctively spicy, with black pepper, white pepper, floral and citrus flavors on a lively frame. Best from 2019 through 2030.”