Wines of Summer 2006

When people ask me if I prefer white or red, my answer seldom varies, "it depends on the weather and what I'm eating." It's a great time to explore the wines of summer, from crisp whites bursting with fruit to dry Rosé and lighter bodied reds, they all have something to offer. And since we're focusing on a daily summer wine, we'll stick to those Washington greats that are also easy on your pocket book.

I've teamed up with Christopher Chan, Director of Wine for The Rainier Club and Emile Ninaud, owner of Champion Wine Cellars, a wine retailer in Seattle. The three of us (yes I'm including my very own amateur picks) will offer our picks and faves for your pure summer enjoyment.

WALSH

Pinot Grigio

Pinot gris grapes abound in the Northwest. Oregon has hung its hat on it as its main white varietal for some time and Washington is beginning to see the light. The delicate balance of this grape offers fruity goodness ranging from tropical citrus to crisp vanilla. My favorite and a wine that also happens to be my vote for best summer wine value is Pontin del Rosa Pinot Grigio. The PDR Pinot Grigio offers a balance of crisp acidity and citrus flavors of pineapple with a hint of pear. Pontin's Pinot Grigio isn't just my favorite. Check out the recent issue of Wine Press Northwest.

A wonderful accompaniment to crisp salads and summer seafood, Pinot Grigio is my choice for summer white. Try it with your next dozen of oysters or a beautifully grilled tilapia with mango chutney. For Pontin del Roza's Pinot Grigio, call the winery in Prosser at 509-786-4449.

Rosé

What a come back these rose tinted beauties are making! Made from a variety of reds sans the skins, most Rosé contains a low amount of residual sugars making it a nice dry summer treat. My favorite this summer has been a lovely Chinook Wines Rosé.

Released each year just in time for summer, Chinook’s Cabernet Franc Rosé is made entirely from free run juice. The color is bright pink and the finish is crisp and totally dry. Winemaker Kay Simon says the 2005 vintage rosé is particularly rich in berry flavor. This classically made wine is best enjoyed chilled with outdoor summer foods. Kay recommends a grilled cod with Asian sesame/soy dressed salad. This wine is made from grapes grown in the heart of the Yakima Valley at Lonesome Spring Vineyard. Unfortunately, Chinook is sold out of this wine, but it is still available at many Seattle retailers and its on the menu at Anthony's in Richland and Pier 66. Also, check out Kay's summer recipe below in "Get a Taste of the Destination." For Chinook’s Cabernet Franc Rosé, visit http://www.chinookwines.com/

CHAN

Summer Fresh Viognier

"One of my favorite wines to enjoy in the Summertime is Viognier," states Chan. "This fresh, floral and white fruit wine is often the right light lead into a comfortable afternoon or evening aperitif. Washington offers a wealth of Viognier. Today I’d like to recognize Whitman Cellars and their take on this “white linen” of wines. As much as I enjoy pure fruit driven wines, I also enjoy a touch of texture and this release has a hint of new French oak which adds a little weight to the palate. Almost fully dry, this wine exudes typical melon, pear and a hint of tropical fruit both in the nose and on the palate. The oak and less contact add a slight creamy toastiness much like the crust on a summer fruit tart." For Whitman Cellars' Viognier, visit www.whitmancellars.com

A Washington White “Bordhone”

"While we’re on the subject of Viognier, or shall we say, Vitamin Viognier for it’s ability to add or boost the fruit and aromas in a variety of wines, especially found here is Camaraderie Cellars tasty Trinquer – a Bordeaux – Rhone (or “Bordhone” blend as I call it)," said Chan, "Sauvignon Blanc / Semillon / Viognier. Summer is all about refreshing wines – those that are not too heavy, cloying or complex but easy to enjoy as is. Not too say this is a simple wine, but that it just comes across more like a “fun” wine. A classic white with great richness and acid balance, barrel texture and a little floral white fruit “Vitamin Viognier” added for aroma and another layer of flavor. Trinquer is tasty wine summer sipper that has enough depth to keep up with your sunset supper as well." For Camaraderie Cellars' Trinquer, visit http://www.camaraderiecellars.com/wines.html

NINAUD

Viognier

"This classic grape has become quite popular in the Northwest with more and more Washington producers and for summer it's a star," boasts Ninaud. " Very food friendly, Viognier pairs nicely with shellfish and chicken." Emile is carrying a couple of great viogniers at Champion right now and says that particularly popular is the 2005 Syncline Viognier from the Columbia Valley. "Located in Bingen in the Columbia Gorge AVA, Syncline is offering a 100% Viognier which shows the true character of the grape. You'll find peachy, honeysuckle flavors with a touch of apricot. I like the complexity and the dry finish of this particular Viognier." For Syncline's Viognier, visit www.synclinewine.com


A Chardonnay Blend

A second pick of Ninaud's is a lovely white blend by Reininger Winery in Walla Walla. "This 2004 Helix by Reininger, Aspersa is 75% Chardonnay and 25% Viognier offering the buttery rich qualities of the Chardonnay and the aromatic components of the Viognier. Again, a great pairing for summer with a chicken salad, pasta salad with fresh herbs or better yet, enjoy it in the sun as an aperitif." For Reininger's White Blend, visit http://www.reiningerwinery.com/homepage.html

Both of Emile's suggested summer wines can be found at his wine shop, Champion Wine Cellars, located at 108 Denny way in Seattle.

WHAT ARE YOUR SUMMER WINE PICKS? Click here to participate in our on-line survey. You will instantly see the current results and the complete survey results will be posted in the next issue of Juice.

From Juice, The latest on Washington Wine Country, August 2006

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