Great wines to enjoy during the summer
Get out of your wine comfort zone. Do you have the same wine over and over again? There are more than 10,000 grape varieties in the world. If you get rid of all the varietals you currently drink and start over, you won’t miss a beat. In Maryland alone, more than 400 types of wine are produced.
Challenge yourself to try something new! Are you ready for the challenge? Here are some recommendations:
• Like Riesling, try Gewürztraminer. Gewurztraminer (geh VURTZ tra MEEN er) can be sweet or dry like a Riesling, but characteristically lower in acid. Gewürztraminer wines with low alcohol percentage, 5 percent or less, are sweeter wines. Once you stop trying to pronounce the name of the wine, you will love it.
• Like Pinot Grigio, try Albariño. Albariño can be considered the Spanish Pinot Grigio. This Spanish wine has hints of peach and apple aromas. It will have a crisp finish that you would expect from a Pinot Grigio. Albariño pairs very well with fish and poultry.
• Like Chardonnay, try Viognier (vee-own-yay). Viognier has the creaminess and fruity aromas of a Chardonnay, but lacks the oak flavors. If you swore you’d never drink Chardonnay, this is the wine for you. Most people don’t like Chardonnay because of the oak notes. Viognier lacks oak due to the aging process used. This is perfect for those who do not like Chardonnay wine with oak.
• Like Merlot, try Garnacha. Grenache has similar fruit flavors and textures to a Merlot. There are hints of strawberry, black cherry and cinnamon. Its tannin is softer and has a higher alcohol content. Garnacha is a bit more expensive than Merlot. But don’t let the price stop you from trying it.
• Like Cabernet, try Tempranillo. Tempranillo offers that great red flavor that Cabernet is known to have. You will not miss its cherry and tomato flavors. It is also aromatic, and can have a spicy finish. Tempranillo is versatile and pairs with all kinds of food.
Try the challenge. All of these wines can be found at your local fine wine store. As you explore, the wine shop staff can help you find what you like. Ask lots of questions and go to wine tastings. Many wine shops have free or nominally priced wine tastings. Visit your local vineyard. Have fun with your challenge. Life is too short not to try something new.
