Civello From California: Wine to Beat the Heat

If there was any doubt about whether summer would come, this week’s oppressive heat has washed away any such thought.

Summer is a time when many of our beverage choices switch from bolder style beverages to lighter, more refreshing wines and craft beer. Many of my customers say they drink more white wine in the summer, which is understandable since the weather warms up and many of the foods and snacks we eat are lighter in style as well.

This is a great time to expand your palate and try a few new wines and craft beers that enhance the foods of summer.

Take, for example, the Chardonnay grape.  Many people don’t realize that wines are made in different styles using the same grape. Chardonnay can be very big, with heavy oak and buttery characteristics. But this grape can also be enjoyed with lighter styles. These wines are typically fermented in steel tanks and impart no oak or vanilla undertones. Ask your wine expert to make a recommendation on a lighter style Chardonnay. You may be surprised by the taste difference from many of the Chardonnay’s you have tried in the past.

Another great summer wine is “Civello” from California. The Cuban winemaker “Ricardo d.” has developed a unique blend of Pinot Gris and Verdelho that delivers a flavorful, refreshing wine that enhances the taste of light barbeque and will pair great with grilled fish. The wine holds up very well on its own with a refreshing taste of white peach and tropical flavors found in the Verdelho grape when grown in California. With a tag line of “Sexier than Pinot Grigio, Naughtier than a Chardonnay,” this is a must try wine.

If you are looking for a sweeter wine, try a Moscato d’Asti that will deliver a nice sweetness and fruit flavors on your palate. This wine has a slight bubble to it that will entice your flavor buds. It is very refreshing and will pair with many foods and appetizers.

Other white wines to try this summer: Pinot Grigio from Italy, an Austrian Gruner Vetliner and Los Primos White Blend from Argentina. The Los Primos White has a slight sweetness and effervescence and can be served over ice with a slice of lime – great patio drink! There are also many white blends that can be enjoyed during these hot months.

Local Events

• Please check out the various tasting events that are scheduled in your area at http://www.localwineevents.com/.
• WineStyles in Bolingbrook is featuring an “Owner’s Birthday Choice” tasting Thursday from 6-8 p.m. The event is complimentary and everyone is welcome to taste some of the owner’s favorites.