Wanda Haynes-Certified Sommelier
So, what’s the thirst quenching sassy warm weather white wine this year?
Pinot Blanc aka Pinot Blanco is a versatile white-wine grape variety used in the production of still, sparkling and sweet dessert wines. Producing lovely white wines in Italy, Alsace, and beyond. An easy drinking white wine and great for a simple lunch or dinner.
Trimbaugh is from Alsace, France and most wines from Alsace are delicious. Pale yellow with green reflections and rich concentrated aromas of white flower and fresh apricot on the nose. Smooth, medium-bodied dry with good acidity, and pleasant minerality. Pairs well with light meals, garden salads, fresh fruit, chicken salad served on croissant, and my favorite pairing herbed chicken wings.
Kettmeir is from Italy and has a straw yellow in color with greenish reflections, floral scents of wisteria and green apple. Dry palate with good acidity, persistent and delicate minerality. This wine is lovely and has a long finish of crisp pear just before they ripen. Think of light soups and freshwater fish when pairing this Pinot Blanco. I enjoy a glass with fried zucchini strips and cream of chicken soup.
Elk Cove from Willamette Valley, Oregon 2023 is exceptional and achieved with hard work. The Willamette Valley in Oregan has an ideal climate for Pinot Blanc. With enough sunlight and warmth for ripening, cooler night temperatures that help retain varietal character. Again, think light meals when pairing Pinot Blanc, sushi, baked chicken, fried okra, and friendly guests to share a glass or two. This is a stunning dry white wine to fall in love with.
A little terminology
The term minerality is tuff to describe as it represents items not normally put into our mouths. Here’s my rendition of minerality: reminiscent of a clean dime sitting on the tongue ever so briefly. Overall white wines tend to exhibit more acidity than red wines. With that being made clear, expect a white wine to be bright on the palate. Pinot Blanc is often overlooked in the white wine category, give it a try and expand your experiences. Keep in mind Pinot Blanc is also produced in a sweet version and is superb.
The nose of a wine refers to its aromas and bouquet, which are assessed by smelling it before and during tasting. Swirl the wine in the glass for aeration to help the nose expose the wine’s attributes.
