Summertime and White Wine
Summer is coming soon and the hot days beg for a nice chilled white wine. Nothing hits the spot like a crisp and fruity white on a hot late spring or summer’s evening. I have enjoyed Asti’s, Muscato’s, and Riesling’s as well, but today’s choice was a Gewurztraminer from Washington State.
Yes. Washington State. Not Germany. Yet let the record show that I love German and Austrian Wines, especially Gruner Veltliner, however I have found that the Columbia Valley has produced some splendid Gewurztraminer and Riesling (ala’ Chateau Ste. Michelle to name names). These crisp and fruity white wines are an excellent accompaniment for spicy dishes as diverse as Asian and Mexican foods and beyond. Try them with grilled fish, or chicken, sausages, or even Middle Eastern cuisine such as hummus and tabbouleh.
Hogue’s 2004 Columbia Valley Gewurztraminer is an excellent example of good wine produced in the North Western United States. Golden straw colored with heavy fruit on the nose and definite fruit and spice on the palette. Crisp is not really a just description. Maybe somewhere between crisp and succulent would be a more appropriate descriptor. Good though. Dang good.
Wine is one of life’s mysteries. Either you get it or you don’t, Love it or hate it, whatever. The bottom line is that to enjoy wine all one has to do is try some different wines and find what is enjoyable to your palette. And believe it, everyone’s is different. What is good to you may be backwash to others but do not be afraid to venture forth into your local wine shop and pick up some white wines for hot days. Try them all until you find one you like. You will enjoy trying them and that is what is important. Be it vino verde or chenin blanc I find that it’s all good. Really good.