I can’t believe summer is nearly upon us, bringing early sunrises and warmer weather. In terms of wine, the seasonal change calls for light-bodied, crisp and low-alcohol wines.
Here are some recommendations:
» Sommariva Prosecco (about $18 a bottle): More and more folks are realizing prosecco is an ideal sparkling wine for the islands. Well-made prosecco is tasty, is remarkably light in body, has just the right amount of flirtatious bubbles and is not oaky, alcoholic or bitter.
Because of prosecco’s meteoric growth in popularity, the number of brands is growing, but I suggest you be selective. I still buy only three, and this is the newest one.
This winery gets its prosecco grapes from the Conegliano and Valdobbiadene areas of northeastern Italy, the two most highly regarded appellations for prosecco. They specifically work with the Balby selection, one of the two original subvarieties of prosecco. Balby is highly revered for its character.
Let this be your go-to wine on especially hot days.
» 2011 My Essential Rose (about $15): In southern France and along the Mediterranean basin, pink wines are readily served in well-chilled carafes in seaside cafes. The really good ones are light in color and body, and delicious with a lip-smacking crispness.
Here is that very style of wine, which recently arrived in Hawaii just in time for summer. It’s grown and produced in Aix.
I am amazed at the reasonable price, considering the long journey required for it to be offered here.
» 2011 Palmina Pinot Grigio "Santa Barbara" (about $18): I was told recently that the pinot grigio category is No. 1 in imported wines to the U.S. Yet it can be quite a challenge to find really good ones.
I discovered one from California, of all places, that could rival many from Italy in terms of tastiness, interest and, most important, price.
I was also impressed at the wide spectrum of food that this dry, riveting, remarkably light wine pairs well with, and how delicious it is.
Palmina is a wine project of Chrystal and Steve Clifton (of Brewer Clifton fame) that’s dedicated to Italian grape varieties grown and produced in California’s cool Santa Barbara appellation.
» 2011 Domaine Dupeuble Beaujolais (about $16): I’m a huge fan of well-made Beaujolais wines. There was a long period of time, however, when these wines were maligned by overproduction and over-manipulation.
Thankfully, the tide is slowly changing as a vanguard of small artisan producers is growing grapes and making wines in a sustainable manner, with an eye toward quality.
Damien Dupeuble and his family have been making Beaujolais for more than 500 years. Not only are their methods as natural as is possible, but also, their wines are delicious, light, full of life and gulpable.
Forget what you’ve read in the past about Beaujolais, and try a slightly chilled bottle of Dupeuble. It could reveal to you a whole new facet of the wine world.
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Chuck Furuya is a master sommelier and a partner in the DK Restaurants group.
