Seasonal Sippers: A Step Outside the Box
Seasonal Sippers: A Step Outside the Box
Many wine drinkers find themselves buying the same types of wine, if not the exact same labels, over and over again. It's great to have favorites, but if you'd like to step a pinky toe outside your comfort zone, we have some suggestions. When it comes to whites, if you find yourself reaching time and again for a Pinot Grigio or a Sauvignon Blanc, you may find one or more of these four whites also to your liking:
Vermentino
One of the most underrated Italian white wines is Vermentino. The best examples come from vineyards planted close to the sea in the regions of Liguria, Sardinia and Tuscany. Sleek and zesty, the ocean influence gives them a minerality and salinity that sparks the appetite. Vermentino is a wonderful partner for antipasti, pesto and fresh seafood.
Picpoul
Picpoul is one of the oldest grapes in the south of France. Its name literally translates to "lip stinger," due to its zingy acidity. Modern versions have more charm; the crisp palate is complemented by citrus and green fruit flavors, with aromas of blossom. Picpoul is an affordable addition to your next picnic or served with a simple basket of fried calamari.
Grüner Veltliner
These dry Austrian whites are also high-acid and citrusy. They often have spicy, white-peppery notes and tart stone fruit flavors, too. Light and easy to drink, Grüner (pronounced groo-ner) is known for two things: its nearly miraculous ability to pair with just about anything, and hitting your palate, as one critic put it, like a mouthful of Pop Rocks.
Albariño
Like the aforementioned wines, Albariño is commonly citrusy and often tastes of stone fruit, but it is bone-dry with hints of lemon and green melon. It has a noticeable minerality and, again, acidity that pairs particularly well with shellfish – not surprising, given the grape is native to the Galicia region of Spain and Northern Portugal, where the cuisine relies heavily on the sea. You can also try it with light pastas and chicken. Spain's best examples of Albariño are produced in Rias Baixas and are always 100% Albariño grapes. In Portugal, where the grape is known as Alvarinho, it can be bottled on its own or blended into Vinho Verde, summer's ultimate patio pounder.
Stop by the Wine & Spirits shop at our Excelsior, Grand Avenue, Oak Park Heights, Shoreview, Uptown or Woodbury Markets. Our Wine Specialists will help you find the perfect bottle.
Selection and availability of products vary by market. Selection and availability of products vary by market.
