Summer White Part Deux

The gorgeous weather we had this week was perfect for our little picnic among the vineyards in Long Island wine country.

It was a sunny summer day with a slight breeze so we were able to sit back and enjoy the afternoon without working up a sweat. Just perfect!

The winery offered several flight choices. In keeping with my summer white theme I chose the summer flight which included a Riesling, another light white blend and a blush wine.

The summer flight wines were listed as off-dry white wines that are light and refreshing. Off-dry wines will have anywhere from just a hint of sweetness to being a little sweet, but I didn’t get a taste of the sweetness as suggested on the ‘tasting menu’.

The Riesling was very crisp with characteristic citrus and apple aromas along with some floral and spice. This had 11% alcohol which added heat to my palate and did not have that hint of sweetness to it.

The off-dry white blend did have the hint of sweetness making it very easy to drink on a warm summer afternoon.

The summer blush was a merlot, but it wasn’t a substitute for a white zinfandel as the staff suggested to us. The wine was very refreshing and perfect with sandwiches and light summer dishes, but it was not the sweet style we were expecting.

Choosing a wine style is not always easy. The regions where grapes are grown plays an important role in how the wine will taste when it is finally in our glass. The terroir – the geography, the climate and the soil – is just one of the influences that give a wine its style.

This particular subject can become detailed and long winded. But my philosophy is to make this easy for us. To break this down so you can pick up a bottle of wine this week is to figure out what you like to taste when you are drinking wine. Then translate that information to the salesperson in your local wine store. More often than not, he or she will be able to help you choose a style of wine that fits your tastes.

We would love to hear what wines you enjoy drinking and why, and your favorite summer wines. We may just find a new wine to try this summer.

Salute!
Winelady Cooks