Let’s face it, a warm Tahoe day is one of life’s great joys. If that day also happens to include some wine time, then all the better. Here are a few tips on how to maximize your vino delight on a summer day.
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“Rieslings have bright, fruit flavors and balanced acidity that seem to bring some cool to a hot afternoon.”
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Temperature matters
It’s recommended for sparkling, white and Rosé wines to be served at 43 to 55 degrees and lighter reds at 55 to 63 degrees. When the mercury rises outside, think even a few degrees colder for two main reasons: once poured the wine is going to warm up faster, so starting with a little more chill just makes sense, and cooler temperatures highlight a wine’s fresh and energetic qualities.
Jake’s On the Lake | Lou Phillips
Consider grape types
Certain varietals are naturally suited to bringing the zing we want when the weather is warm. Sauvignon Blancs, Pinot Grigios, Roses and un-oaked Chardonnays are great choices, but let’s branch out a little bit. Rieslings have bright, fruit flavors and balanced acidity that seem to bring some cool to a hot afternoon. A couple of widely available winners in the Riesling category are Dr. Loosen Dr. L from Germany and Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl from Washington. Both can be had for less than $15 a bottle.
Another interesting under-the-radar wine is Torrontés from Argentina, often grown at 5,000 feet altitude or higher in the Andes Mountains. Flowers, spices and citrus are Torrontés’ calling cards. Alamos Winery makes a wonderful version for about $12 a bottle. Albariños, from the coastal area of northwest Spain, such as Paco and Lolo for about $15 per bottle, bring apricot and white peach flavors of the crispy-crunchy variety, making for a unique summer quaff.
Melissa Heer sabers a bottle of bubbly | Courtesy Pacific Yellow Fin
Add bubbles
This is a no-brainer. Sparklers are not only more refreshing because of the bubbles, but are also meant to be served cooler, especially the simpler and less expensive domestics, like Korbel or a Spanish Cava — easily had for about $10 per bottle.
Reds can be cool (double entendre intended). Forget what the neighbors might think. Just chill up your favorite red wines to a much-cooler-than-normal temperature and enjoy. I’m not just talking Pinots and Beaujolais here — grab that spicy Zinfandel or Grenache and throw it in the fridge or cooler for a good hour. You’ll be surprised how refreshing those big boys can be. Who doesn’t like being a bit irreverent once in a while?
It’s not rocket science. Grab one of the above selections, one of your personal favorites or ask one of our great local wine purveyors for a suggestion. Give it a good chill, head straight to your favorite beach, deck or dock and enjoy.
Lou Phillips is a Level 3 Advanced Sommelier and his consulting business wineprowest.com assists in the selling, buying and managing wine collections. He may be reached at (775) 544-3435 or lou@wineprowest.com. Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com for more wine columns.
