Great Whites

June 2018
Written By: 
James Ginley

Skip the Chardonnay this summer and give one of these wines a sip

Crios de Susana Balbo Torrontés 2016
Torrontés, Argentina, $11

Pale green color in appearance with shades of yellow. Aromas of citrus and tropical fruits fill the nose, followed by the unique taste of white peach and grapefruit. Clean, focused and with good structure, it will go well with salads and light fish and seafood dishes. Earned a 90-point rating from Wine Spectator.

La Chapelle Du Bastion Picpoul de Pinet 2015
Languedoc, France, $11

The Picpoul is a light, fragrant grape that grows well on the slopes of Languedoc, which faces the Mediterranean. The result is a fresh, clean and vibrant wine, showing peach and lemon aromas. Nuances of orange and apricot add to the mouthfeel. This combination calls out for light appetizers, salads and seafood.

Licia Albariño 2016
Rías Baixas, Spain, $13

Straw color with greenish hues show well with an aroma of grapefruit and quince jelly, plus hints of herbs, apples and minerals on the palate. Full-bodied and balanced, with a lingering finish. A delicious wine to pair with grilled fish or any seafood, plus Asian dishes, salads and grilled veggies. Perfect for summer!

Ken Forrester Reserve Chenin Blanc 2016
Stellenbosch, South Africa, $14

A terrific example of what South Africa can do, this full-bodied and 14 percent alcohol white offers mineral notes with honey and caramel flavors. Balanced fruit and oak add up to a flavor profile that complements many dishes, including Asian cuisine, chicken and seafood. This wine earned a 91-point rating from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate.

Yalumba “The Y” Viognier 2016
South Australia, $14

Apricot and tangerine perfumes fill the nose, leading to a hint of grapefruit, nectarine and lemon flavors in the mouth. Concentrated but fresh, the unique finish has a grapefruit flavor that lingers. Enjoy this wine with chicken and seafood dishes. A good value for a well-balanced Viognier, and your favorite wine store should have it.

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PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF THE WINERIES

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