Cool Whites for Hot Nights – by Sara d’Amato

Sara d'Amato

It’s hot, muggy and sweaty and the only thing that seems like relief is a cold shower. These are the nights when a carefully chosen bottle of chilled white wine can relieve more than just the heat and can make all seem right with the world again. Contrary to popular practice, beer does not have to dominate your cooler space this summer as white wine can provide equal if not greater refreshment and flavor. So, get ready to cool off by popping open one of these chilly treats.

The Italians are masters at staying cool over the heat of the long summer months as are most Southern Europeans. Roses and whites prevail during this time and both men and women enjoy these colours equally. Dinners are taken later in the evening as the sun sets and the temperature drops thereby making the experience more pleasurable and increasing one’s appetite. Lunch is often followed by a long nap in order to avoid the hottest part of the day. In addition, both of these meals are accompanied by a cool glass of wine and plenty of water.

The following wines are sure to provide some relief whether it be during the hottest part of the day or in the evening when the setting sun quells the heat.

La Cappuccina Soave 2010, Doc, Veneto, Italy, $13.95

Soave wines can range from bland to wines of exceptional value. Here is an example of the latter: a flavor-packed Soave made from the Garganega grape, grown most notably in the northeastern Italian region of Veneto (well-known for its Valpolicella reds and Amarones).

Terredora Loggia Della Serra Greco Di Tufo 2009, Docg, Campania, Italy, $17.95

Greco is a rich, flavourful grape produced in Southern Italy whose substantial flavours can stand up to most summer barbequed foods.

Marco Felluga Mongris Pinot Grigio 2009, Doc Collio, Friuli, Italy, $22.95

A well-known and well-respected producer that churns out consistently mouthwatering Pinot Grigios that are well worth the price.

Loimer Grüner Veltliner Trocken 2009, Dac Kamptal, Austria, $18.95

The Southern Europeans are not the only ones that know what it takes to produce a refreshing white. The Gruner Veltliner varietal is crisp and aromatic with characteristic flavours of white pepper, almonds and delicate floral notes.

Bodegas Shaya Verdejo 2009, Do Rueda, Spain, $18.95

This quenching Spanish white is made from the crisp and aromatic Verdejo varietal that is often compared to Sauvignon Blanc.

For a shopping list of wines that are available at your local LCBO, click here.