Summer Wines with our Wine Broad

Broadminded with Chiefwino, Andrew Stover Sommelier from OYA Restaurant, www.oyadc.com, SEI Restaurant, www.seirestaurant.com and the NEW SAX Restaurant & Lounge, www.saxwdc.com. Founder of Vino50 Selections, www.vino50.com and Chiefwino wine blog, www.chiefwino.com Summer Sips—Gimme the Acid! When the heat cranks up, it’s time to cool off with a glass of refreshing white wine or chilled red. My preference is to turn to high acid whites from cooler grape growing regions of the world. These higher acid wines offer more “refreshment” than flabby, high alcohol wines from warmer growing regions, like California. Groooovy Gruner Veltliner from Austria Gruner Veltliner or Gruner is the main white grape grown in Austria and produces wines that some compare to Pinot Grigio. The hallmark difference is that Gruner has a spicy white pepper thing going on that I really enjoy. Gruner usually has more depth of flavor than inexpensive Pinot Grigio from Italy. Taste: Love Over Money Gruner Veltliner, Austria Find: http://boutiquewines.info/winery.php?id=93&country_id=4 SUMMER OF RIESLING! The word Riesling usually conjures up images of sickly, sticky and sweet white wines for many. Au Contraire Mon Fraire, not all Rieslings are sweet. Some of the best white wines for sipping on a hot summer day are the “dry” style of Riesling. We use the word dry in wine geek speak to denote the fact that the wine has no residual sugar. Look for wines that have the word “dry” on the label or “trocken” if a german wine. Also many Riesling producers are now using the International Riesling Foundation’s sweetness scale that shows a range of sweetness levels on the label and where the particular wine in question ranks. Look for Rieslings from Finger Lakes, New York; Northern Michigan; Oregon; Washington; Alsace, France and even New Zealand. Plus if you ARE a Riesling fan, you are in luck. Summer of Riesling 2012 is in full effect across the USA at many restaurants, wine bars and wine shops. Visit the website, www.summerofriesling.com or @summerriesling on twitter to find out where. Taste: Chateau Grand Traverse ‘Whole Cluster’ Riesling, Old Mission Peninsula, Michigan Find: http://www.cgtwines.com DRY ROSE Stop thinking that pink wines are sweet. If the wine is pink and doesn’t have the words “blush” or “white zin” on the label, chances are the wine is “dry” and perfectly suited to your palate. When in doubt, of course inquire. American’s have this affinity to see pink wine and instantly assume the wine is sweet. This is sad given that the category of rose wine is another ultimate summer sip and also pairs amazingly well with the flavors of summer. Look for rose wines from France, Italy, Spain, Argentina and various regions across the USA. Taste: YinYang Pinot Grigio Rose, Willamette Valley, Oregon Find: http://amityvineyards.com/ Tip: Its not listed on their website, so inquire within. It’s a special wine ;) LIGHT BODIED REDS—CHILLED! Sometimes the task at hand calls for a red wine, especially for those who simply refuse to drink white. Have no fear, Stover is here! A light and juicy red is absolutely find to enjoy on a hot summer day, especially if you are grilling burgers or enjoying barbecue. Ask your local shop for a really light red with low tannins, preferably something that can take a good chill. Good examples include Pinot Noir, Barbera from Italy, Dolcetto from Italy, Cotes du Rhone Red Blends from France and even lighter Zinfandels from California. Chill down approximately 20-30 minutes before serving. If you find the wine too cold, know it WILL warm up. Taste: McPherson Cellars ‘Tre Colore’ Rhone Style Red Blend, High Plains, Texas Find: http://www.mcphersoncellars.com