Everything goes in cycles, and so it is with white wine.
In ancient times, much of the most coveted wine was white — typically sweet, and often fortified so it could be transported from the place of origin to faraway locales without spoiling. That was an important consideration during the centuries before refrigeration and air travel.
We’re in another Golden Age for white wine now, as demonstrated by the Summer Refreshment Collection from Vinesse.
With just three types of white wine, we can savor the crisp, bright zestiness of a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc; the assorted fruit flavors and toasty lees of a perfectly made California Pinot Blanc; and the rich, viscous mouthfeel of a California white-wine cuvee.
Talk about diversity. And this comes on the heels of an era when a different white wine — Chardonnay — was all the rage at wine bars and Michelin-starred restaurants.
I’m pretty certain there’s yet another white variety presently sitting in the on-deck circle, to borrow a baseball term, just waiting for its moment in the spotlight. What will it be?
If it’s ever produced in sufficient quantity, without sacrificing quality, to reach more thirsty people around the world, my bet would be on Torrontes from Argentina. It’s everything I love in a white wine: bright, refreshing and fruitful.
Another big possibility is that so-called “un-oaked” Chardonnay could catch on, especially versions that come from cooler climates.
The future will reveal itself soon enough. Right now, there are plenty of white-wine reasons to be perfectly content living in the present.
There is no part of the year that is unimportant in the vineyard. That said, some seasons are more important than others, and summer is when the grapes on the vines receive most of the nourishing sunshine they need to attain full ripeness.
I first touched sangria to my lips on my 21st birthday. It was a weekend brunch at a Mexican restaurant, and about all I can remember about the drink is that it was red and served on ice.
People often are surprised when they learn that California’s Napa Valley does not hold the No. 1 position on my list of favorite wine regions to visit.
It doesn’t need to be New Year’s Eve and you don’t need to be attending a wedding to pop the cork on a bottle of sparkling wine.
It was my turn to fix dinner the other night, but with sweltering temperatures extending into the evening, I did not feel like cooking.
Do you have a guilty pleasure? I have a few, and one of them is rosé wine.
Summertime… and the grilling is easy…
