Summer Wine....

Isn't that a Brit Com?

Well, today sort of marks the first day of summer. Mercifully, the weather is more May like than July, as temps have finally returned to a more comfortable range. But, nonetheless, the recent 11 days of nineties plus temperatures brings up that age old question; Whaddy drink in Summer?

Of course one answer is the time honored DWTHYL and don’t worry about it. But I really don’t think I’ll tuck into that 14.5% Old Vines Zin while sitting on the patio.

No, the heat and humidity calls for something maybe a bit lighter. A perusal of various food and beverage mags (always reliable for that “Wines of Summer” article) steers you (for the most part) to whites. For some reason, this year they seem to look to other shores for their selection. One source gives you “Five Reasons to Drink Soave this Summer”: Another publication asks if Albarino is the “Next Great Summer Wine”. They even devote several pages to the wine and area of origin (Rias Baixaz, Galicia in Northwestern Spain) along with some tempting recipes. It’s described as bright, zesty and crisp. Another article is entitled “Swing Low” and devoted to summery wines that don’t’ pack an alcohol punch. They talk about several wines in the 12 and below range. Suggestions include a (bone dry) German Riesling, Vinho Verde (Portugese); Moscato D’Asti; Chenin Blancs from France and South Africa. Most of the descriptions contain the words fresh, crisp, and fruity. Strangely our old friend Pinot Grigio/Gris doesn’t get much play. Sauvignon blanc rates some mention, as does chardonnay, with recommendations of the “old world style – like white Burgundy and Chablis.

Of course we can’t forget Champagne (or sparkling wine if you’re domestic oriented), what could be better than a crisp sparkling flute of golden, crisp (sorry) sunlight in a glass.

Well, what about reds you say. Okay, there are alternatives that are nice summery wines as well. A light Pinot Noir will do, again looking to France for a lighter style, or maybe New Zealand. Gamays can be tasty, Burgundy’s cousin from Beaujolais. Roses come into play, they can be chilled and are usually lighter and fruity. Spain can come up with some good examples (Marques de Caceres Rioja Rosado). I am pleased to report that I did not see any references to white zin which shouldn’t be confused with roses. Use that to clean off the table on the patio. It cuts dirt quite well..

And has been noted I am slowly beginning to appreciate the land of beer. Summer is a great time to experiment and find something you like. Stouts? Probably not (although DWTHYL comes into play), but the lighter ales, lagers, pilsners, are appropriate..

Anyway, you don’t have to be stuck with Chardonnay – branch out..

Stronger Stuff
One of the publications I get is called “Imbibe”, and is devoted to “Liquid Culture”. It covers not only wines and beers, but is heavily into promoting cocktails. Remember when the person behind the bar was a bartender? Forget that, now they’re “Mixologists” who practice “Mixology”. Gimme a break. And, like anything else they are now taking to extremes. Dry Manhattan on the Rocks? Dirty Martini? Naaaahhhhhh, too simple. How about a Poblano Escobar? Just a few simple ingredients:

2 or 3 ¼ inch thick rings of sliced poblano chiles, seeds removed
¾ ounce fresh lime juice
¾ ounce Royal Combier (a liqueur0
4 chunks of fresh pineapple
¼ tsp. ground cumin
½ tsp. agave nectar
2 oz. blanco tequila or mescal
Ice cubes plus large ice cube for serving

Muddle chiles in a shaker with lime juice and Combier. Add pineapple, cumin, and agave nectar and muddle again. Add tequila or mescal and fill shaker with ice; shake well and double strain through fine mesh strainer into glass filled with a large ice cube. Garnish.

See? Easy to make at home. Oh, the ice cube in the picture of the concoction was more like an iceberg..

So there’s a quick look at some options to wet your whistle during those hot days..

Travel Note:

Tomorrow I fly on great silver bird to Minneapolis and then to Onalaska/LaCrosse to join with MFO (driving of course), her sister, and both the FOJ’s and families to help celebrate her mother’s 95th (!!!!) birthday. May we all live long and prosper.

I’ll take clothes to

DFD