Some Great buys in Summer Whites, with a few sneaking over here from Greece!
2012 Ken Forrester Petit Chenin, Stellenbosch
Ken is trying to provide maximum jobs in his community-which needs them, and still maintain a commitment to farming sustainably, while pruning and harvesting by hand. The result is some pretty great Chenin Blanc, and the Petite is a terrific summer quaffer and a great introduction to Chenin. Picked early, and bottled younger, it displays its crisp, fresh quince and pear drop flavors. Earlier picked freshness shows on the palate with crunchy green apple and grapefruit. Good mouth-feel and appetizingly tangy finish in this fresh and fruity style.
Sherry-Lehmann, NY $9.95
Wine House, LA $9.99
Sauvignon Blanc:
2012 Honig, Napa Sauvignon Blanc
Just classic easy drinking California Sauvignon Blanc. Fresh, zippy flavors with bright citrus, cut grass and dried herbs in the aromas and flavors, and a crisp aftertaste.
K&L $14.95
$14.95-$17 everywhere
2010 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc
Definitive New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, with nothing held back. A wonderful balance of brash lime, herb and tropical notes with melon and passionfruit.
(sugg. $18…but shop around and get it for $12)
Most Costco-$12-13…hard to beat for price and quality.
Pinot Grigio…Why?
The good ones are expensive, the inexpensive can be bad. Try looking further afield…how about Greece? I love Kir Yanni’s whites, but the best bottlings are made in tiny amounts and stay in Greece. These whites from the Island of Santorini are subtler than Sauvignons, yet full of interest and complexity
Santorini Whites:
2011 Estate Argyros, Assyrtiko
It’s entirely from the “assyrtiko” grape, and crafted in 100% stainless steel tanks to maximize its clean zestiness. Yet it’s not a fruity wine, but full of savory flavors.
Hi-Time, Costa Mesa $22.95
Traino’s, NJ $19.99
2011 Estate Argyros, “Atlantis” White Blend
Made mostly from the Assyrtiko grape, this crisp, citrusy blend includes the obscure Aidani grape and gets a floral hint from the inclusion of Athiri.
Chelsea Wine Vault, NY $15.99
K&L, CA $15.99
2011 Sigalas, Assyrtiko-Athiri
This Santorini wine is reminiscent of the sea and perfect with briny oysters and the like. Lots of savory flavors and herb notes to accompany a seafood lunch.
Sherry-Lehmann, NY $17.95
Lincoln Fine Wines, Venice CA $16.99
Phoenix Wine of Scottsdale $16.00
2012 Sigalas, Assyrtiko
Young, but may become the best of this group if you are willing to give it a little cellar time. Dense yet not heavy, this tangy 100% Assyrtiko is pleasingly savory with a lemon-zest zing and chalky minerality.
Sherry-Lehmann, NY $22.95
K&L $20.99
Total Wine, $23.99
Coming up:
Rose, Txacoli, Chenin Blanc, Semillon, Albarino, Malvasia, Gavi, un-oaked Chardonnay, and don’t forget Soave, still inexpensive, now it’s good and a fabulous bargain. …next emails