Wines that go well with Diner en Blanc
Let's opt for five whites, says Max Gottesfeld, the retail wine specialist from the Fine Wine & Good Spirits Store at 1218 Chestnut St.
A dinner in white, a bottle of white.
Max Gottesfeld, the retail wine specialist from the Fine Wine & Good Spirits Store at 1218 Chestnut St., offers some tips to Diner en Blanc-goers.
Sparkling Wine 101:
The racy acidity matched with a fruity fizziness makes sparkling wine a refreshing option for the heat of summer
Sparkling wines are a little lower in alcohol, so you can have a few in the sun and not feel as fatigued as having a heavier still wine
Many sparkling wines in the brut style come in at around 11.5% - 13% alcohol. Some sweeter sparkling wines such as Asti or Brachetto d'Aqui come in even lower, at around 7.5%. Most still wines come in at around the 13.5% mark, and some can even creep up into the 15% -16% range
Sparkling Shiraz from Australia or a nice, drier styled Lambrusco from northern Italy pair perfectly with barbecue ribs or a smoked beef brisket
If you are looking for something that mimics the style of Champagne, Spanish Cava presents a tremendous value. Cava might not have the finesse that some Champagnes possess, but the amount of rich, yeasty fruit you can get out of a Cava for the money is impressive
Gottesfeld's suggestions and notes:
Sparkling
Saint Hilaire Brut, Blanquette de Limoux, France NV $13.99
Saint Hilaire is the supposed first place in France to make sparkling wine. Always a great deal, bright fresh flavor with a crisp dry finish, always a great sparkling wine when you're looking for something under 20 dollars.
Chateau du Petit Thouars Cremant de Loire, France NV $19.99
One of the best values in Cremants - soft red fruits with a refreshing green apple crisp on the finish. A great fizz, with tiny bubbles and a slightly toasty finish make this one of the best value sparkling wines around. Similar to a champagne at about half the price.
Chardonnay
Au Bon Climat Chardonnay, Santa Barbara, California 2012 $18.99
A fresh and balanced Chardonnay from one of California's most consistent producers Jim Clerendon barrel fermented and aged in French oak. It is bright and lively with flavors of citrus and stone fruit. But smooth throughout with flavors of apricot, apple, and lemon. There is no better example of Chardonnay for the money in Pa.
Crisps and Clean
Clos des Lunes Bordeaux Blanc, France 2013 $19.99
Domaine de Chevalier took over management of the old Clos des Lunes vineyard (formerly Château Haut Caplane) in Sauternes several years ago. The company, responding to changes in the sweet Sauternes market, has a new gial to create one of the finest dry white wines from the area. It is bone dry with great texture and lingering acidity.
Grooner Grüner Veltliner, Austria 2014 $10.99
A collaboration with Meinhard Forstreiter and Monika Caha. Easy drinking and refreshing Grüner Veltliner that appeals to wine lovers as well as new wine drinkers and cost conscious customers. Crisp, dry and delicious.
Deals
Save an additional $2 on The Naked Grape Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio (3 liter) by printing the Fine Wine & Good Spirits' August Coupon of the Month at FineWineAndGoodSpirits.com. The $2 coupon deal is extended to Zardetto Prosecco.