Page 12 - Boca Club News - August '19

Page 12, Boca Club News
Grape Expectations:

Other White Wines for the Summer

By Ed Wolfarth, who recently moved seek out Pazos De Luzco. This bodega consistently produces small cult following and are delicious. If you find one you
to South Florida after retiring with the finest examples of Albarino made in Spain. Also, Martin like, buy it by the case. Look for wines from Grosset. While
his wife, Vicki, as Professor of Sports Codax can be found in almost all wine shops for $15, and is the Polish Hill is a bit pricey ($40), the Pewsey Vale is under
Sciences & Physical Education at another wonderful alternative white wine. $20 and is an exceptional example of a dry Riesling.
both Queens College and Hofstra The Verdejo grape is mostly grown in an area called Rueda, Alsatian Wines. In Alsace, in the northeast corner of
University. He is a nationally ranked in central Spain. This DO, or denomination of origin, is a France near the German border, some of the great white
senior tennis player and long-time wine-producing region. There are over 80 such DOs in Spain. wines of the world are being produced. I have stocked up
USPTA Elite Teaching Professional. The Verdejo grape is characterized by a fruity sweetness and on two of my favorites for many years: Pinot Gris and
Ed has written many educational and a slightly bitter after taste. My favorite producer of 100% Gewurtztraminer. Alsatian Pinot Gris, while made from the
tennis articles in the past. Over the past few years, Ed has Verdejo is Naia. This bodega consistently produces excellent same grape as Italian Pinot Grigio, should not be confused
turned his hobby of wine collecting into a way of continuing Verdejos at fair prices. While their Naia (my favorite) and Las with its distant and lighter cousin. Alsatian Pinot Gris has
his passion for writing, and has written on the subject for Brisas wines can be found with a bit of research, I have yet to lower acidity, more alcohol and a spicy full-bodied texture.
publications. As a self-proclaimed “wine snob,” he has find their Naiades, generally thought to be Spain’s finest white Gewurtztraminer is a entirely different cat! Its distinctive
collaborated on many wine lists for private clubs and a few wine, in any stateside wine shop. I did, however, find it at a lychee nut flavor, spice and bit of sweetness make it the
restaurants. Ed can be reached at wolfarthe@msn.com restaurant in Spain this past spring. It certainly lived up to its perfect match for spicy Asian cuisine. My go-to wine for all
While most of us have tried the zippy Sauvignon Blancs reputation. Other than Albarino and Verdejo, I would try any Asian foods.
from New Zealand and Pinot Grigio from Italy and, of course wine made from the Godello grape. Its high glycerol level and Greek Whites. Assyrtiko and Moschofilero. I can’t
California Chardonnay, please allow me to suggest and fill acidity makes for some distinctive white wines with higher pronounce them either! Assyrtiko is pretty much limited to the
you in on the “other” white wines with which you may not alcohol content than most summer whites. island of Santorini. These wines are filled with mineral and
be as familiar. Italian White Wines. Names like Verdicchio, Vermentino, citrus flavors, with a touch of saltiness on the finish. Assyrtiko
Torrontes is a grape varietal grown primarily in Argentina, Suave and Orvieto may not be familiar to many wine drinkers, is the perfect complement to fish dishes, much like Australian
but which has recently been cloned in the USA. It is aromatic but these moderately priced whites are excellent warm Riesling. Moschofilero (you try to say it) is Greece’s answer
with moderate acidity and distinctive tastes of peaches weather wines. Verdicchio wines, as you may know from to Chardonnay. Green apple, pear, grapefruit and with ample
and apricots--some claim a nice hybrid of Sav Blanc and the name, have a slightly greenish hue. These wines are high acidity, these wines should be readily available. Boutari is
Chardonnay. While not common on many wine lists, be in acidity, and better ones can taste of almonds and lemon. a reputable producer, as is Nasiaskos. Again, your wine
sure to look for it in your local wine shops. You will not be Vernaccia (or Vernaccia de San Gimignano) was the first merchant should carry a Greek white to recommend.
disappointed, and for less than $15 a bottle a bargain. Italian white wine to be awarded a DOC status. It comes from Muscadet - Since we’ve mentioned seafood wines, you
Spanish White Wines - My two favorites, both readily the Tuscany region and is generally regarded as the best white cannot dismiss the classic Muscadet. Made from the Melon
found in your local wine shops, are Verdejos and Albarinos. wine in Italy. Suave wines are dry and light-bodied. The best de Bourgogne grape in the Loire Valley, near the Atlantic
These two indigenous grapes of Spain produce some can have hints of peach and honeydew melon. Orvieto is a Ocean, these wines are light and fresh with hints of lemon
wonderfully refreshing summer whites. The Albarino wines wine region, not a grape, and is a blend of two Italian grapes, and sea breezes. At its best, Muscadet can be richer and more
of Rias Baixas certainly fill the bill as a quintessential summer Grechetto and Trebbiano. It is generally dry with moderate age-worthy, but I prefer to drink young, recent vintages.
wine. Rias Baixas is north of Portugal along the Atlantic coast acidity. Look for Sevre et Maine on the bottle for the best examples.
in Spain. The cool ocean breezes make for a crisp wine with Australian Dry Riesling - Yes, I said Riesling! And I Muscadet can easily be found for less than $15 a bottle.
fine acidity, perfect with fish and salads. Albarinos (pronounce did say dry. Not all Riesling is sweet. You may have been The summer is here! Hot weather cries out for lighter,
the “n” as in onion) are fruity and floral and can be fleshy in familiar with Blue Nun or Liebfraumilsch. Those introductory more refreshing wines with ample acidity and less alcohol.
their mouth-feel. Martin Codax is a reliable producer and German Rieslings came along at a time when sweet was “in.” A wine to sip at pool side, or at a picnic or beach. A wine to
offers a wonderful example of Albarino with its ripe fruity While I happen to enjoy the Kabinett level wines of Germany, be served chilled, but not so cold as to lose all the flavors and
taste and balanced acidity. It should be readily found in your the Rieslings of the Clare and Eden Valleys offer wines of nuances. The above-mentioned surely fill the bill. Till next
local wine shop. For an outstanding version of 100% Albarino, zesty acidity and intense fruit flavors. These wines have a time…drink…enjoy!”