It’s summer in San Antonio. The days are long, hot and humid. Mosquitoesmultiply in droves and the cicadas strum incessantly. To survive anothersweltering San Antonio summer, we naturally crave a cool drink.
For wine lovers, this means the prerequisite Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay.The last thing we want is a complex and ponderous red. But neither dowe want our wine choices to be as monotonous as the weather forecast.Luckily, there are some easy–drinking, off–the–beaten–path varieties outthere that offer loads of flavor and are the perfect sip to take the edge off ahot summer day.
…Kind of like taking a dip in yourneighbor’s pool.
Exotic, floral, fruity and sometimesspicy, the Gewürztraminer grape produceswhite wines of exceptional character.Gewürztraminer is not a wimpywhite. With sumptuous body and textureon the palate, as well as low naturalacidity, the spectrum of flavors emerge:lychee fruit, honeysuckle, peach andnutmeg. Gewürztraminer is a refreshingalternative to Riesling. The best arefrom Alsace, but look for stellar examplesfrom the Alto Adige region of Italy.
Torrontes:
Flowers and fruit, roses and peaches– what’s not to like about Torrontes?Known as the white grape of Argentina,Torrontes is a white wine that immediately enchants your senses with asexy perfume of tropical fruits, flower petals and sweet apple. The Torrontesgrape was originally thought to come from the Galicia region of Spain, butArgentina has put this wine on the map. Torrontes is dry, riding the fencebetween acidity and creaminess with its own unique finesse. It is a perfectaccompaniment to spicier foods like Chinese, Thai, and Mexican cuisines.
Verdejo
The beauty of Verdejo, a racy Spanish white wine, is that it’s a total surprise.Exclusive to Rueda, northwest of Madrid, Verdejo wines wash overthe palate like an invigorating shower. The aromas and flavors resonate ofgreen apple, lemon balm and a spicy anise, fennel character. Verdejo’s acidityis bracing, yet counterbalanced beautifully by a subdued minerality andrich texture. It is an exceptional white wine to pair with ceviche, scallops andshrimp.
Nero d’Avola
Literally, "the black grape of Avola," this sexy Italian red comes from Sicily,and delights with its ripe berry fruits, musky nose and earthy, spicy finish.Often compared with a Shiraz, the Nero d’Avola grape thrives on the warmisland of Sicily. Nero d’Avola wines are unpretentious, friendly, and offer upplenty of black cherry fruit and velvety fullness on the palate. Try it with casualbackyard grill fare: BBQ, ribs, burgers, and steaks, as well as antipasto.
Côtes du Rhône
Wild and spicy, Côtes du Rhône red wines are blends of Syrah, Grenacheand Mourvedre grapes from Southern France. The Southern Rhône isa mythical, magical land where fields of lavender, herbs and olive trees bakeunder the sun. The best Côtes du Rhône wines provoke a sense of place, andthey are abundant with raspberry, lavender, licorice and a meaty, graphitefinish. Splurge on a Châteauneuf–du–Pape, the grand daddy of all SouthernRhône wines. Or for everyday drinking, look for Côtes du Rhône Villages onthe label. It will bring you closer to a vacation in Southern France, if only inyour imagination!
Tempranillo
When Spaniards think a wine is extraordinary, they say "Beber estevino es como hablar con Dios" – tasting this wine is like talking with God.Spanish Tempranillo wines surely must have a deity on speed dial. Tempranillomeans "little early one" – referring to the grape’s small berries and earlyripening – and it is the main grape used inRioja wines. Tempranillo wines are brilliantruby red in color, with aromas andflavors evocative of berries, plum, vanilla,cassis, tobacco, leather and spice. Usuallythey will be classified by quality of grapesand how long the wine is aged: Crianza,Reserva and Gran Reserva. In the heatof summer, Tempranillos are best servedslightly chilled, which accentuates the exoticblend of fruit, spice and terroir.
Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cabernets are classicany time of year. However, for summerseek out Cabs specifically from PasoRobles, a Central Coast wine growingarea between Los Angeles and San Francisco.Something about Paso Robles’ sunbakedhills produces wines that showcasethe true Cabernet varietal character. PasoRobles Cabernets are immediately approachable, intensely fruity, with silkytannins. Yet they are surprisingly structured, with notes of vanilla, chocolate,and hints of bell pepper supporting the ripe blackberry fruit. Sipping aPaso Robles Cabernet is much like slipping under cool satin sheets on a hotsteamy night…..quite a sumptuous experience.
Where to find:
- Girlan "Aime" Gewürztraminer. Available by the glass at Biga on the Banks.
- La Yunta, Torrontes. Available at Sun Harvest Callaghan and Cost Co Liquors 1604.
- Garci Grandi Verdejo. Available at Bohanan’s.
- Principe de Corleone Nero d’Avola. Available by the glass at La Focaccia Italian Grill and Pazzo Italiano.
- Pata Negra Gran Reserva Tempranillo. Available at Central Market.
- Chateau Beauchene Côtes du Rhône. Cost Co Liquors 1604.
- Chateau Beauchene Châteauneuf–du–Pape Grand Reserve. Central Market.
- Vina Robles Cabernet Sauvignon. Available by the glass at Myron’s Prime Steakhouse, New Braunfels.
Any of the wines listed above are available by special order at Sun HarvestStores, Central Market, or Cost Co Liquors.
