A summer white wine mainstay, Pinot Grigio, must be mentioned as a fun way to enjoy your vacation and family time. This wine varietal has become immensely popular to wine consumers and rightfully so. Most Pinot Grigio comes from the Veneto where the wine is produced in large volumes by numerous co-operatives, then sold to the large bottlers. Seek out some different appellations during the summer when you have a little more time to be in a “discovery mode”. Try some Pinot Grigio from Friuli, where the ripeness of the grape offers a full richness in the mouth not typically offered from the Veneto selections. If you desire more aromatics than you have been getting from your Pinot Grigio choices, try some from the Valdadige and Alto Adige appellations. Pinot Grigio from these areas not only offer enhanced aromas, but balanced acidity to complement.

Columbia Winery in Washington State has a Small Lot Series Riesling. Grown in the Yakima Valley at higher elevations, in deep gravely soil, the area offers a longer “hang time” as it is protected from frost which guarantees a late season harvest. The result is an Alsace style wine without the typical sweetness that you would expect from Riesling in this area. Residual sugar is around 1.5% or less. While the wine may be hard to find, it will be worth the search. This Small Lot Series Riesling is another cool climate wine to be enjoyed during warm climate months. Enjoy a great summer white wine!

Explore Dallas Restaurants