As we emerge from our COVID cocoons and gather with friends and family, why not allow our palates to evolve as well? With some new wine styles and flavors to explore, make your 2021 summer a verano de vino to remember!
Always be Albariño
Perhaps your go-to vino has been Pinot Grigio? You like light, crisp wines with some citrus notes? For warmer weather, why not try Albariño, another benchmark white from Spain’s Rias Baixas region with a brighter, zestier, and much richer texture! Also known as Alvarinho in Portugal, this signature wine from “Green Spain” is known for being highly-aromatic, mineral-driven, and exceedingly food-friendly. For a delicious New World version of this Spanish standout, try Vara Winery’s Albariño whose vibrant platinum color, expressive stone fruit aromas, and crisp, full-bodied texture pair perfectly with your seafood, Asian, and southwestern summer fare.
Be Still Mi Viura
As the most popular varietal in the world, it’s no wonder Chardonnay is the gold standard of white wines. Its versatile nature can be restrained like a French Chablis or California-style round and oaked. Its neutral profile also makes it the perfect base for sparkling wines. For a more exotic alternative with just as much versatility, try Viura, Rioja’s most important white grape which can be fresh and floral when aged in stainless steel or rich and honeyed when oak-aged. Like Chardonnay, Viura is also used in traditional method sparkling wines where the grape is also known as Macabeo. For a clean, elegant example whose pleasant personality still shines through, try Vara Winery’s Virua imported from Spain’s storied Campa de Borja region. Lovely by itself or paired with your lightly grilled vegetables or fish, Viura will quickly become your new summer stand-by.
Me, You, and Vermut
Vermouth may be trending in the modern craft mixology world, but it’s a fortified wine that’s been a critical element of some of the most classic cocktails in the world. With endless uses and styles, be like the Spaniards who caught onto this Italian trend and in the late 1800’s converted their own white wine into “vermut.” Spanish vermuts can run the gamut from white to red, dry to sweet, with even rosé styles in between. Celebrate your own summer “hora del vermut” with Vara’s dry Vermut Seco which displays aromas and flavors of lemon peel with a refreshing yet spicy finish, or their sweet Vermut Dulce which greets you with dried fruit, baking spices and a lingering finish. Both are delicious as a solo aperitif or in your favorite Negroni or Manhattan cocktail creation. Ideal for summer gatherings and celebrations, welcome vermouth into your vino rotation.
Want to learn more about exciting summer wines to refresh your palate? Join your fellow Latinas for our Vinos de Verano class on June 17 at 8:00PM and make your summer gatherings celebratory!
Salud to Summer!
Your Jefas Erlinda & Martha
EDUCATE. EMPOWER. ELEVATE. THROUGH WINE.
