Creative Commons Credit:michelle grimord eggers
A few factors determine what I’m going to drink for any occasion: weather, mood, company and food. Weather is probably the most important because a big Aussie Shiraz doesn’t necessarily mate well with a patio and 90-degree sunshine. What do you do? Look for these wines, examples of crisp, refreshing wines that can be your next go-to at your favorite restaurant and bar patio or your own home porch.
Sparkling Wine
So you’re one of those people who only drinking sparkling wine at weddings and on New Year’s Eve. Number one, you’re not alone, and number two, stop it! A super versatile yet intriguing style, there are so many styles to explore. The awesome Champagnes (they can still be hit and miss so ask for recommendations) on the market can carry more interest than the Napa Cabs you might drink for the same price. The next time you’re sitting on Bodega’s patio with your buddy or girlfriend, who is drinking the newest DIPA or Belgian on the draft list, get a glass of bubbly. On top of being trendy, you can be a trendsetter.
Muscadet
This grape creates a light, racy, dry, refreshing white and you can almost taste the ocean in the bottle with the hint of salinity. All of this together is why the wine has an affinity for raw bar options and shellfish. Most Muscadet is sourced from around the town of Nantes on the western coast of France. The wine is very affordable because it’s not fashionable or popular and it’s often confused with Muscat or Moscato. The grape just needs a hip-hop song and it will forever be removed from obscurity. The wine can gain some interest after a few years in the bottle. You won’t find this wine at many restaurants and bars, but if you do, it is likely a great value even on wine lists with big markups.
Sauvignon Blanc
Every wine list should have a Sauvignon Blanc by the glass and the wine is a steal in comparison to some of the Chardonnays poured around Columbus. During the summer is when Sauvignon Blanc can really hit the spot, served well-chilled, with its range of flavors, from tropical fruit to citrus to fresh herbal notes. The build of the wine also makes it very food friendly, particular with salads and light dishes created from the summer bounty. I’m thinking this wine fits the environment on Bel Lago’s patio with a view of the reservoir. Not the ocean or Lake Erie, but as good as the waterfront views come in Central Ohio, with a wine that shimmers in the glass like the reflection off the water. Enjoy with their caprese salad, mussels, or bruschetta. Wine and dishes that are pretty safe.
Viognier
Viognier is a good alternative to Chardonnay, but it can be really hit and miss. Like Pinot Noir, the grape has an attitude and it will show in the wine when not created with precision. The next time you’re on Lindey’s patio, choose the Zaca Mesa Viognier over the Chardonnays. Surprisingly, you’re paying more for this glass than the Chards, but you’re getting a balance of stonefruit and light oak that’s not overly done and the wine doesn’t come across oily like many Viogniers. And it has more intrigue than a lot of the Chardonnay on restaurant menus.
Godello
Godello is a fun wine to try when you’re seeking out a change of pace. Pliny the Elder liked it, and so should you. The grape is indigenous to Spain and found in the cooler northwest corner of the country, near the northern part of Portugal. You might see the name as Verdelho in the neighboring country or on the island of Madeira. A balance of sublime fruit character, mineral, richness and acidity. It’s a geeky wine. The wine hasn’t really caught on in our slower Central Ohio market (as far as wine is concerned), so if you don’t find it, try an Albarino from the Rias Baixas region in the same corner of the country. You’ll happen to find Albarino by the glass at Barcelona where you can enjoy some Spanish fare on one of the city’s most beautiful patios. And ask them when they’re putting Godello on the wine list.
Pinot Gris
I recently came up with a way to tell someone how to remember the proper way to say this, but I don’t share it with our customers (you’ll eventually offend someone). Pinot Gris rhymes with “pee” and not “piss.” Related to the Italian variation, Pinot Grigio, the name typically depends on the region and the style created, but the literal translation is the same, just in French and Italian. I think of many Pinot Grigios to be the vodka or Coors Light of wines. Give me cheap Pinot Grigio when I want something boring with alcohol in it. Pinot Gris can be rich, velvety, honeyed and overall texturally pleasing, from dry to slightly sweet. Look for bottling from Alsace, France and Oregon. The wine should be easy to find by the bottle but not typically represented on a “by the glass” list.
Gruner Veltliner
Gruner became a trendy grape around the same time Malbec hit the scene in full stride, and while both grapes make very respectable wine, Gruner has fallen somewhat into the background. Why? Who knows. The name is easy to say when compared to some of the crazy French and Italian varietal names, but the name does lack some sex appeal (again, the language is German, not French or Italian). The grape calls Austria home. Medium-bodied, steely, with hints of pepper, you might also find some notes of citrus and minerality. Very straightforward wine and typically at easy prices. You should be able to find some Gruner on Alana’s lengthy yet interesting wine list, with minimal markups to boot. The wine seems to match the feel of their cozy yet energetic patio.
Rose
Like to drink red wine but change it up a bit for summer? Then dry rose takes care of it. The fruit flavors you’d want out of a red wine but on a smaller stage with the microphones turned off. Dry, pink wine seems to be appropriate at The Worthington Inn, if not by the glass, by the bottle. Expert preparations are made for wine to be enjoyed with them, but don’t overwhelm the dishes with very ripe fruit and alcohol. Be gentle. While the dishes can make some noise, when it comes to wine, treat the dish with some respect with the “girl next door” beauty of rose. Interesting, pretty, thoughtful.
Beaujolais Grand Cru
Just because it’s over 90 degrees outside doesn’t mean that people won’t drink red wine. You have your Chardonnay lovers, and then there are ABC’s (Anything But Chardonnay) types, and some of them only drink red wine. Look for restraint, lightness, freshness and lower alcohol. The Grand Crus of Beaujolais offer a superb value in fine wine and the lighter amount of body and subtle tannin make them accessible during the warmer months while piquing your interest with notes of raspberry, cherry, violets, and graphite. For an extra $10 to $20, you can go from Beaujolais-Villages directly to Grand Cru status in this underappreciated zone. I highly doubt you’ll see this by the glass, but some of the better wine lists will have at least one by the bottle. It’s a category that’s really making some noise again (after getting over what Nouveau has destroyed as far as a reputation is concerned) but Columbusites aren’t jumping on board yet.
What’s your favorite summer drink to enjoy at home or dining out on your favorite patio?
