It’s mid July and you’ve been invited over to some friends, who just moved, to spend the evening lounging around their pool or in their back yard or patio. You have to bring along something, for the occasion, but what? Candy of chocolates will melt, and flowers will wilt – but how about a bottle or two of crisp white or rose summer wine?
There’s nothing more refreshing than a glass of cold summer wine to go along with salads and other light summer meals, and even barbecue for that matter. These wines are generally not expensive either, and can be had in organic versions as well as the regular types – sulfides and all.
To make this often perplexing decision easier for you (especially if you happen to be more of a “Bud Light” drinker) here are some wine varieties that are both easy on palate as well as on the pocketbook:
Chardonnay (also known as 
inot Chardonnay, if bottled as a mixed variety): This pleasant semi-dry white wine is one of the most popular and goes well with cheese, pasta, chicken and fish – especially sea food. A good Chardonnay wine is available in both domestic and foreign varieties (including South American, Australian, etc.) and costs anywhere from $10 on up. Serve chilled (around 40 degrees F).
Chenin Blanc: An excellent dry white that is derived from the Chenin grape region on France, but is also available in both domestic and budget priced imported varieties. It has a neutral taste that is often augmented with essences of seasonal fruit such as apples and quince. Like Chardonnay, serve chilled.
Bodegas Rioja Rosado 2007: This reasonable priced Rose wine comes from Spain, but similar varieties also come from Portugal and Italy as well as California. Rose wines are a good “compromise” wine for people who can’t decide between a red or white wine; yet want something cool and crisp. This Rose wine has a hint of summer fruits, such as peaches, and has a slight acidity. Price is around $15, which is not bad for an import.
As long as we are on the subject of Rose wines, consider the ones from Portugal, particularly those by the winery Mateus. Mateus Rose and white wines have been around for years, and are still perennial favorites. Like other summer wines, serve chilled.
There are many other, of course, including a number of good Sangria types, which is red wine, blended with various types of citrus fruit. It also goes down easy on hot summer evenings, especially with fruit dishes.
These wines will surely be a hit with whomever you give them to; and don’t forget to buy a bottle or two for yourself!
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