I love working at Nino’s. My favorite times in the wine department are when folks come up, excited about a new recipe, and ask about a great wine that would pair well with whatever they’re making. With summer right around the corner, many of us will be looking for white wines that go with fresh, fruit-loaded salads or charred fish off the grill. These wines are terrific with food, but they’re great on their own as well!

Mount Fishtail Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Marlborough, New Zealand 
The nose on this New Zealand wine is irresistible, with notes of passion fruit, pineapple and citrus. It is not intensely dry as some Sauvignon Blancs from the Marlborough region can be. The weight is light to medium, with a finish that is dry and refreshing! Pair this with picnic fare. The acidity will cut through mayonnaise-based salads and sandwiches.

Ryan Patrick Riesling 2012 Columbia Valley, Washington 
Aromas of peach and apricot with a lush, juicy quality on the palate. Crisp and clean in the finish, this Riesling will send you over the rainbow! Great on its own, it is a crowd pleaser for parties with light snacks of fruit, finger foods and crudité.

Treana White Blend 2012 Central Coast, California 
A classically French blend of Marsanne and Viognier, the Treana White is floral, with notes of jasmine and honeysuckle, and fruity with peach, pear and tropical notes. Medium in weight, but with bright acidity, this pretty white would be delish with grilled swordfish over greens.

Broken Dreams Chardonnay 2012 California 
This Chardonnay is a stunner! Bright and vibrant with citrus and tropical fruits, it has a creamy mouth-feel and crisp acidity. Fried chicken is my favorite food to have with this unique Chardonnay.

Avanthia Godello 2011 Galicia, Spain 
This Spanish white is a game changer in the world of wine. Give it to any red wine drinker, and he or she will ultimately say, “I don’t drink white wine, but I’ll drink this!” Aromas of white flowers, cooked citrus, and crushed rock on the nose, with melon, pineapple, and almond. A beam of acidity runs throughout the weighty, rich texture. Intriguing and surprising, this white will stand up to any big meal, but shellfish off the grill on a hot summer day would be best.

Well, this blog has made me hungry! I can’t wait for the summer to really start shining, so I can fill a tub with ice and these terrific palate-pleasing whites!
Which is your favorite white wine for the summer? Tweet me @NinosWineExpert!

Enjoy!