THERE'S no time like in the midst of a rare West Coast heat wave to roll out a list of noteworthy budget sippers and good value barbecue drops.
In summer we crave whites that are often lower in alcohol and are crisp and fresh, with no or negligible oak. (Not to mention lighter reds to rosés.) There's no rhyme nor reason to this list. Just a sixpack of decent and above all wallet-friendly whites, perfect for value-driven summer sipping. You can pin this one to the fridge.
The Beach House White Blend Here's a refreshing surprise from the Cape, a clean combo of 80/20 Sauv. Blanc/Semillon that lives up to its airy, summery label and delivers a lot more than you might expect; gooseberry and citrus notes with some interesting mineral and grapefruit mid-palate hints. Just the ticket for a chilled seafood salad and one of the best deals around for $11.99 (BCLS) 88 points.
Finca Los Primos 2012 Torrontes (San Rafael) This Argentine label enjoys a well-earned rep for making good entry level wines and this is no exception. Pale gold in the glass with orange citrus on top before a surprisingly textured palate with floral and honey notes and a pleasing touch of acidity. This is another winner that you can take to the bank. Think chilled chicken with mandarin salad (BCLS $9.99) 89 points.
El Petite Bonhomme Verdejo 2012 (Rueda) Another winner from ex-pat Canadian winemaker Nathalie Bonhomme, this stonefruit and tropical-toned drop is summery light on the palate with mineral and melon notes before a crisp end. Easy summer sipping, or tapas (after all, it is Verdejo!), for sure ($14.99) 88 points. ¦ Stoneleigh Latitude Sauvignon Blanc 2012 (Marlborough) Classic no-holds-barred Kiwi Sauv. Blanc with citrus and hints of gooseberry on top, followed by a pretty structured palate of lime sherbert and grapefruit zest notes, with good acidity and a clean, citrus-toned finish. Extra heft comes from a portion in neutral oak barrels but it's not apparent (BCLS $16.99) 89 points.
14 Hands Hot to Trot 2012 This well-balanced "cocktail" of Washington State Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Viognier and more sports apple and floral notes on top followed by pear and citrus flavours on the broad palate with a lingering finish (BCLS specialty $16.99) 88 points.
Wakefield Riesling 2011 (Clare Valley) It would be illegal (or should be) to have a list like this without at least one Riesling. If you like wines that are crisp, clean and decently acidic, this one's for you. It sports bright fruit with some good tart Granny Smith and zesty lemon notes, with hints of petrol coming on as it develops. PWS (I'm not sure why it's not at BCLS) $20-$23, 90 points.
Quails' Gate has announced that Nikki Callaway will take over the reins from Grant Stanley (who left this spring to join 50th Parallel) as their new winemaker. Callaway is no stranger to Quails' Gate: For the last five years she has worked at Mission Hill, where most recently she turned her attention to Pinot Noir, an ongoing priority for Quails' Gate, considered a Pinot leader in the valley. This marks the the first time in a couple of decades that the winery has hired someone locally. Quails' Gate has hired offshore since bringing in Aussie Jeff Martin (who eventually left to open La Frenz) in 1994. Callaway looks ideally suited for the job She has worked in several major regions, including Burgundy and Bordeaux.
Tim Pawsey covers food and wine for numerous publications and online as the Hired Belly at hiredbelly.com. Contact: on Twitter @hiredbelly or email [email protected].
