The Other Side of Summer

By / Wine + Drinks / May 7th, 2014 / 3

In 1991 I used to listen to a song by Elvis Costello called “The Other Side of Summer” (from the album Might Like a Rose).  Why this is important is because the tune recently got stuck in my head again … and at first I was not sure why.

I was thinking about wine (big surprise, I know) and about a variety of different white wines to serve this summer beyond the usual unoaked Chardonnays, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Rieslings and Rosés.

The above mentioned are all fine and dandy and I have plenty on hand, but what if I wanted to serve something more exotic … something I could be proud to serve yet keep my guests guessing as to what is in their glass.

Grapes that are, for lack of a better term, part of the other side of summer.

If you’re looking for something new to serve out on the deck, dock or patio – or even at the table this summer maybe you’ll want to give these ones a shot:

Hermanos de Domingos Molia 2012 Torrentes, Argentina ($16.95)

Never tried Torrentes? Think of it as a kindler gentler Gewurztraminer. This one is a good place to get your first taste of it: floral and pineapple with hints of lime meringue.

Ripa Marchetti Capolino 2011 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico, Italy ($16.95)

I find Verdicchio hit and miss but this one was quite a hit with its quince, pear and apricot notes.

Ilocki Podrumi 2011 Premium Grasevina, Croatia ($23.95)

The most planted grape in Croatia (Grasevina) – this can be a real talking point for your guests: honey, tropical, melon, mineral and hay; seems to be better at room temperature.

For more wine suggestions, see our other #WineWednesday posts.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michael is an award-winning journalist: Promoting the Promoters Award Cuvée 2010 and Ontario Wine Awards Journalist of the Year 2012.  He is also a national and international wine judge - Ontario Wine Awards, All Canadian Wine Championships; Best of Riesling — Germany; Essencia do Vinho — "Top Wines of Portugal".  He is currently the President of the Wine Writers Circle of Canada and the wine columnist for Ottawa Life and Grand magazine as well as regular contributor to Tidings, and Grapevine ... his reviews have also appeared in the LCBO Vintages magazine. Michael has also added a YouTube channel to his activities where he reviews bottles of great Ontario wine on a weekly basis. In whatever he does, it is Michael’s desire to educate, inspire and encourage others to grow their own love and enthusiasm for wine – and to realize that it is their palate that ultimately makes the decision.

Comments are closed.

North America’s Longest Running Food & Wine Magazine

Get Quench-ed!!!

Champion storytellers & proudly independent for over 50 years. Free Weekly newsletter & full digital access