As I sleepily stumbled into work after the long Memorial Day Weekend, my nose perked up at something so wonderful that no candle store in the world could replace it. The fresh peaches were displayed out on our front porch, and they smelled so sweet and fragrant that my heart began to race at the thought that summer had finally arrived!  I am very fortunate to work at Nino’s, where each season is expressed through the seasonality of the fresh produce. Summer is my favorite, with the smells of the fresh flowers, sweet corn, strawberries and peaches playing like musical notes through the air.  More and more white wines have crossed my path lately, and they are just as fragrant! For outdoor parties, picnics and barbeques, refreshing and flavorful white wines plunged into icy buckets of water are just what the doctor ordered.

Montgravet Cotes de Gascogne 

With its exotic, tropical notes of kiwi, pineapple, and citrus, this 100% Colombard is stunningly bright and refreshing. More steely and mineral driven than most fleshy Colombards, it’s similar to a Sauvignon Blanc, with a crisp, dry finish.

True Myth Chardonnay 

Deliciously creamy with mild oak, this Chardonnay is layered with pear, citrus and honeysuckle. Being from the coolest region in California gives this Chardonnay bright acidity, minerality and a long, clean finish. It is true to form.

Annie Amie Cuvee A

When winemaker Thomas Houseman popped by the cellar to taste through his line of Annie Amie wines, I didn’t realize they would transport me back to 2012, when I attended Oregon Pinot Camp. As I have said many times before, I am very impressed with the floral, fragrant, exuberant white wines of Oregon, and these did not disappoint! Thomas explained his feeling that after many years of trial and error, the Cuvee A white blend has finally come out to his liking. A motley crew of grapes, including Pinot Blanc, Muller Thurgau, Riesling, Viognier, Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer, brings forth a nose of elderflower, starfruit and white berries, with a tangy palate of watermelon candy, quince and tropical lychee.

Famega Vinho Verde 

Ah, the spritzy crack of the screwcap from a bottle of Vinho Verde is one of my favorite summertime sounds. Lightly frizzante, these wines are so young and fresh, they’re green! Thanks to its stony minerality with notes of green apple and lime zest, this is the perfect poolside refresher.

Chateau Trillol Cucugnan Corbieres Roussanne Maccabue 

One of the most unique white wines I’ve tasted all year, this wine has all the summertime components. It’s crisp, dry, and refreshing, but the palate is creamy, with white corn, white blossom and exotic fruit flavors. Minerality and balance are expertly achieved, making my mouth water for summertime favorites like fried green tomatoes and freshly harvested salads with crusty bread.

Though these wines do just fine on their own, writing this has left my tummy growling and wanting to look up some summertime meals to pair with these wonderful whites. Summer brings families to the table. Hopefully, you will bring these, too.

Enjoy!

Jennifer Laurie

What’s your favorite summertime wine? Tweet me @NinosWineExpert