The Best Of Summer Wines

What to bring to someone's house for a barbecue or dinner by the firepit? A summery, light wine that everyone will enjoy.It could be red or white, domestic or foreign as long as the wine is refreshing as a warm weather breeze or afternoon sun shower.

Eric Asimov  has given a list of the twenty best summer wines that was published in yesterday's New York Times Food section A summer  wine, he asserts should be less than fourteen per cent in alcohol. This makes for a lighter , more brut tasting drink along with out  any consequences . (think inebriation followed by a possible hangover or at least  a morning headache). Mr. Asimov  also recommends going for wines that are between $15 and $25 in price. It's not as cheap  and you get better quality along with being not so extravagantly priced.One of the more elegant is the Chateau Tour Grise Saumaur Brut Non dose 2004 12. percent 2004. This is a sparkling white wine made from the chenin blanc grape.It's pure and refreshing , perfect for any chicken or fish dinner, The wine has the perfect summery notes of honeysuckle, lemon and chamomile. Another French import is La Ferme Du Vert Gaillac L'Ange Lou Mousseux Brut,2013, 11 percent. This relatively new wine derives from Mauzac grapes, a little known variety grown in the French Southwest. It is light and sparkling too, with notes with apple , straw and herbal flavors. Serve it iced on a hot evening for complete refreshment.

A surprise wine is a merlot from Argentina, a country that usually gives us malbec.It is Bodega Chacra Amor Seco Pantagonia Merlot,2012, 14 percent and is a bit high on the alcohol side. Mr. Asimov likes its' deep and fruity flavor, redolent of red fruits..It has a bitterness that keeps it refreshing The company is also known for their pinot noirs too. Bring it to a party where there are steaks on the grill, waiting to be paired with it.Another dark wine comes from Piedmonte, De Forville Dolcetto D'Alba 2013 13.5 percent. It is another refreshing bitter wine with an undertone of dark chocolate. I would suggest having it  with an outdoor bagna calda., the anchovy and garlic dip  that the region is famed for. Both are perfect for a cooler summer night gathering. Celebrate July Fourth with an American wine made in the Finger Lakes region.This is Eminence Road Farm winery Ganay Noir  Cayuga Lake 2013, 11.3 percent.It is made from the area's grapes. It is light bodied , earthy and fruity along with being seriously delicious. Drink lightly chilled  when watching the fireworks.If you want another white wine, then try Julian Haart Mosel Riesling 1,000l, 2014 10.5 percent. It's a very light wine but has a mix of minerality and creaminess to it. Open it up to share with friends during a picnic.

The summer is here. Crack open a bottle of chilled wine on a warm evening or to round out a barbecue. There are many to choose from , and many to try.


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