Interesting Summer Whites
BY MATTHEW DAVIES
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2007 Terrazas de los Andes Torrontés Reserva
Torrontés is the is the only white grape indigenous to Argentina. It is slowly gaining popularity in the rest of the world, making most of its inroads in the past decade. The variety is characterized by a fruity and floral aroma and a crisp, light body. The Terrazas version has a nose of orange blossoms and roses, combining with intense pear, mango, and passion fruit notes. On the palate it is very fruity, but with enough acidity to make it a great pairing with food.
2006 Trimbach Gewürztraminer
The venerable Trimbach winery was founded in 1626, and is still run today by the family 12 generations later. It is one of the greatest producers in the Alsace region of France. This gewürztraminer has the characteristic lychee fragrance, is luscious and well-balanced on the palate, and finishes with a hint of spice. The wine is perfect for spicy Asian, Mexican, or Indian food.
2007 Rosenblum Kathy’s Cuvée Viognier
Although it is labeled with a California appellation, more than half of the grapes come from the Ripken Vineyard in Lodi (the remaining grapes from actor Fess Parker’s vineyards in Santa Barbara). It is both exotic and seductive, with beautiful aromas of apricots and peaches touched by vanilla and cinnamon. The palate is loaded with honey and tropical fruits, and just a touch of oak. It is great by itself or with any seafood.
You will have a more interesting summer if you dare to shunChardonnay.
Torrontés is the is the only white grape indigenous to Argentina. It is slowly gaining popularity in the rest of the world, making most of its inroads in the past decade. The variety is characterized by a fruity and floral aroma and a crisp, light body. The Terrazas version has a nose of orange blossoms and roses, combining with intense pear, mango, and passion fruit notes. On the palate it is very fruity, but with enough acidity to make it a great pairing with food.
2006 Trimbach Gewürztraminer
The venerable Trimbach winery was founded in 1626, and is still run today by the family 12 generations later. It is one of the greatest producers in the Alsace region of France. This gewürztraminer has the characteristic lychee fragrance, is luscious and well-balanced on the palate, and finishes with a hint of spice. The wine is perfect for spicy Asian, Mexican, or Indian food.
2007 Rosenblum Kathy’s Cuvée Viognier
Although it is labeled with a California appellation, more than half of the grapes come from the Ripken Vineyard in Lodi (the remaining grapes from actor Fess Parker’s vineyards in Santa Barbara). It is both exotic and seductive, with beautiful aromas of apricots and peaches touched by vanilla and cinnamon. The palate is loaded with honey and tropical fruits, and just a touch of oak. It is great by itself or with any seafood.
You will have a more interesting summer if you dare to shunChardonnay.