Really, there is a single, solitary No. 1 wine to beat the heat? I say yes, and beseech you to hear me out. Here is the skillset this wine needs to sit on the throne.
Tip No. 1 is oh so simple: spend at least $10. Stay above this entry point and you are going to get something yummy.
It’s crisp and fresh and brings a beam of energy in every glass.
- It must take to being served well chilled — after all it’s hot out.
- It has a varied game from lean, citrusy stars to melon fruit, barrel-aged beauties and therefore, needs a variety of places of origin and winemaking styles to rocket to the top.
- Having yummy, interesting versions at all price points, this wine’s lovable qualities must show across the board. You should be able to enjoy No. 1 whether you go big on cost or not.
- Finally, as with any star athlete, thespian or parent, the most important quality is availability.
There are other wines in the world that qualify on most of these counts, but if you can’t find a range of styles and producers anywhere you go, they cannot be No. 1. Our winner, Sauvignon Blanc, checks all of the above boxes.
Buying tips
Tip No. 1 is oh so simple: spend at least $10. Stay above this entry point and you are going to get something yummy.
Tip No. 2 is to shop by region to get the style you want for the occasion. Here are the best:
- California offers more tropical fruits and body with medium acidity. I suggest looking for Napa, Sonoma or Mendocino on the label.
- New Zealand offers in-your-face citrus and zip with light body.
- Sancerre offers less fruit and more minerality, structure and strong acidity.
- Bordeaux offers a cross between Sancerre and California, bracing acidity with slightly riper fruits.
Suggested wines
Bonterra Organic Vineyards from Mendocino is a good all-around Sauvignon Blanc with special appeal for fans of organic wines. Charles Krug and Priest Ranch wineries are wonderful quality versions from Napa that have a little neutral-barrel influence that adds complexity. They are also a bargain for home-grown Napa Sauvignon Blanc.
I’m going to be a little more generic for New Zealand because even the big-brands deliver authentic Kiwi style. See what’s on sale at your purveyor.
In Sancerre, you can’t go wrong with anything that has Reverdy on the label. There are several branches of this family making Sancerre, so pick your price point and go.
As with reds, white Bordeaux can get expensive and many times there are not many choices available in most shops. Therefore, I recommend asking a trusted wine-shop friend; be sure to give them your price range.
There is no better time to grab a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc from each region and head to the beach.
Cheers.
