With summer in full swing, it’s the best time to wind down and relax with refreshing white wines that are delicious to enjoy on their own but also pair well with seasonal dishes such as seafood, roasted veggies, and grilled meats infused with tropical fruits or spices. We decided to mention four of our faves and celebrate the beauty of being bicoastal! So here are two wines from New York and two from California, for your consideration. Cheers!
Photograph by Stef Schwalb
The Finger Lakes has quickly become an outstanding region for winning wines, and what would summer be without Riesling? As the grape that initially brought attention to the area, it’s one of the most food-friendly wines to be found and upstate there is an abundance of excellent wineries offering their tantalizing take on it. For us, Red Newt Cellars 2011 Riesling Lahoma Vineyards (rednewt.com) is a definite palate pleaser that features bright citrus notes, a succulent sweetness, and excellent acidity. Groovy Grüner Veltliner is also praised on par with Riesling as a taste sensation that blends seamlessly with a wide range of foods, and Dr. Konstantin Frank 2011 Grüner Veltliner (drfrankwines.com) certainly makes the grade with a great balance of acidity, fragrant floral and melon aromas, and delicate herbal notes that masterfully play off some peppered heat that packs a zestful punch on the palate.
Photograph courtesy Francis Ford Coppola Winery
Making a memorable wine is almost as difficult (if not more so!) as making a memorable movie, but Francis Ford Coppola seems to have mastered both. So in between all of big blockbuster films of the season, we’re going to take some time to settle in with his winery’s Director’s Cut 2012 Alexander Valley Sauvignon Blanc (franciscoppolawinery.com) . This fruity favorite has intense fragrance of citrus and fresh flavors like pineapple coupled with hints of clove and fig. And how can we cover California (albeit briefly) without a selection of its signature variety? For us, Baron Herzog 2012 Chardonnay (herzogwinecellars.com) hits the mark with floral and vanilla aromas, crisp tropical fruit taste, and hints of green apple.
