Miami is about to get uncomfortably sticky. Suddenly, the breezes die and it's hot as hell. Summer, unfortunately, officially arrives on the calendar next week; and with it our dietary wants shift from heavy menu items that satisfy, to easy dishes with fresh, simple ingredients. One wonders what to do about drinking habits when lazy summer afternoon lunches by the pool call for a glass of...something. It can be difficult to pair lighter foods with wine, so we sought out the advice of a professional.
Award-winning sommelier Allegra Angelo has been guiding the wine programs for both Michy's and Sra. Martinez since the beginning, as well as consulting with restaurants who are developing new lists. In between, she actually finds time to blog about her monthly wine picks, "my passion is finding quality wines at friendly price points that have a definite personality."
She says that "when drinking wine with lighter, summertime meals, it is challenging to find wines that are lower in alcohol, but refreshing with generous fruit and pleasant acidity." The danger with whites and rosé is that "lighter wines can be muted and boring" yet "heavier wines can be too rich and tiresome." Angelo also says that the key is to ask yourself, "is this wine refreshing?" and ultimately, "will I drink another glass?"
Here are her picks for the best affordable summer wines to beat the heat. Look for these labels at Sunset Corners, Wolfe's Wine Shop, Wine Watch, or W Wine Boutique.
5. CC Chardonnay by Betts and Scholl 2009
Region: Monterey, California
Grapes: Chardonnay
Market Price: Under $15 per bottle
Personality: No Oak, Green Apple and Lemon, Light and Bright
4. Guilhem White (Moulin de Gassac) by Mas de Daumas-Gassac 2010
Region: Languedoc, France
Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc, Grenache Blanc, and Clairette
Market Price: Under $10 per bottle
Personality: Melon, Lots of Mineral, Crisp with Good Acidity
3. Rosé by Muga 2010
Region: Rioja, Spain
Grapes: Garnacha, Viura, and Tempranillo
Market Price: Under $10 per bottle
Personality: Light, Floral, Strawberry. Dry
2. Cava Rosé by Casteller Non Vintage
Region: Penedès, Spain
Grapes: Trepat and Garnacha
Market Price: Under $15 per bottle
Personality: Dark with Raspberry, Dry
1. Riesling Sekt by Dr. Loosen Non Vintage (Sparkling Riesling)
Region: Mosel, Germany
Grape: Riesling
Market Price: Under $15 per bottle
Personality: Peachy, Limey, Sparkling, Dry
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