With spring and summer approaching, the outdoor jazz concerts are about to begin (Especially at Chastain for those that live in Atlanta ). I drink red wine 95% of the time. However, in GA with the humidity, red wine is not good for me. My quandry is I do not know any good white wines. I haven't tasted a Chard that I was crazy about. I prefer Sav. Blancs and Reislings over Chards...I know that much. Please help by submitting recommendations between $15-$20. Please do not hesitate to recommend a Chard. I'm open and if a certain Chard is recommended repeated, I'll try it . Just make sure the Chard is not very oaky.

Thanks in advance for your recommendations.

JFJ

I sympathize with you JFJ. Oaky chardonnay, and there is lots of it, isn't my white of choice either. One great one is Planeta from Sicily. Quite different from the new world style but a little more than $20.

I have found many good alternatives such as riesling and sauvignon blanc that you mention. For the latter I like Kim Crawford (NZ) and it's in the price range you mention.

You might want to try Soave too. Inama and Pieropan are two of my favourites but the latter might be a little more than $20.

Good thing about living in Canada, is that we only have 2-3 months a year when it's too hot to drink red

For Sauv Blanc, try a handful from New Zealand: Villa Maria and Cairnbrae I've had recently, enjoyed, AND they are very inexpensive. For something completely different, but refreshing, you might explore Albarino from Spain or maybe even a Muscadet from the Loire Valley. So far as specific brands go, I would suggest going into your local wine shop and inquiring. Because these two types are not what you'd call "mainstream," a brand I suggest might not be available in Atlanta. Although I am in Tallahassee...feel like making a 5 hour wine run? lol j/k Enjoy the summer!

Thank you Steve8 for the recommendations. $20ish is fine. If you think of any others or come across any new whites, let me know. Thanks again.

JFJ

The entry level Rieslings by Germany's top estates are always perfect summertime wines. They're a little lower in alcohol (10-11%) and refreshingly dry and fresh but with a lot of fruity and floral notes to balance them out.

Two of the best of these (generally known as Riesling QbA) are Dr. Loosen's "Dr. L" and Josef Leitz's "Dragonstone." I imagine they go for about $10-12 in the US.

Also a big fan of the Planeta Chardonnay.
Gavis are interesting-

The Artesa Sauvignon Blanc is delicious- Parker raved.

Summer wine has been in my mind recently too. I think a great alternative is to go with Chablis. Generally speaking, they are Chardonnays that are leaner and more minerally than their New World cousins. Plus it's possible to get a nice refreshing drinker for under $20 or less. In my mind Chablis is Chardonnay the way nature intended it to be.

Another possibility is some Austrian Gruner Veltliner's. Check out Nigl or Huber for some exciting wines at decent prices. Had the '02 Huber 'Alte Setzen' GV the other night and was wowed. I got it for $22 at my local wine shop and will probably pick up more today.

I too am not a fan of oak and white wine. I have tryed some Chards aged in old French oak that were very good but most low priced white that has been oaked is not my fancy.

I also like the German Reislings and Chablis like the posters before me. For good QPR Chablis look for JM Brocard. He also has a white burgundy called Kimmeridgien Bourgogne which is around $10 here in Sweden which is nice for the price.

I haven't tried one (yet!), but I've heard good things about some Aussie unoaked chardonnays. Here's a Parker review of one:

2002 TREVOR JONES VIRGIN BAROSSA VALLEY CHARDONNAY Each: $19.99
Parker 91: ‘This may be the best unwooded Chardonnay I have ever tasted from Australia. Very fragrant, it reveals gorgeous notes of honeysuckle and orange/tangerines in a crystal clean, surprisingly textured yet elegant style. This beauty carries its 13.5% alcohol with grace.'

Sounds like it might fit the bill.

Do like the Europeans do, have a dry rose. Yeah, I know, hard to find.
A couple local ones I know of, but that may not be available to you, are Carol Shelton & Valley of the Moon.
There should be some Italians available in your local stores.

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It's not over-supply. It's under-consumption. Do your part!

There's nothing worse than an oaky Chardonnay
on a hot day. Talk about a headache waiting
to happen! Although not overly appreciated by "Connoisseurs", Pinot Grigio is an excellet hot weather wine. There are bunches out there. Santa Margharita is the largest selling & best known PG, there are many others that are very good for your application. Italians consider Santa Margharita "industriale", as it is a very large producer. In California retail, it ranges in price from $17+ (Costco) to $23+ at the neighborhood supermarket. I was in Italy 2 years ago and it was 3.5 Euros in Torino. There are also some nice Oregon Pinot Gris (same family as Grigio), but my experience is that they are a little sweeter than their Italian bretheren.

Cheers!

I bought 2 bottles of the 2002 Nobilo Icon Series S.B. that was on the top 100 list. Drank 1, thought it was great and am saving the other for a nice summer night....

I bought based on my experience with the "regular" 2001 Nobilo and the rating. I'd highly recommend it. I'm anxious awaiting the responses as I'm curious about some of the 2002 Riesling recommendations given WS's latest issue.

cbmac is 100% correct here. Get a nice German Riesling... and you won't regret it.

quote:

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Originally posted by Cal Wine Guy:
There's nothing worse than an oaky Chardonnay
on a hot day. Talk about a headache waiting
to happen! Although not overly appreciated by "Connoisseurs", Pinot Grigio is an excellet hot weather wine. There are bunches out there. Santa Margharita is the largest selling & best known PG, there are many others that are very good for your application. Italians consider Santa Margharita "industriale", as it is a very large producer. In California retail, it ranges in price from $17+ (Costco) to $23+ at the neighborhood supermarket. I was in Italy 2 years ago and it was 3.5 Euros in Torino. There are also some nice Oregon Pinot Gris (same family as Grigio), but my experience is that they are a little sweeter than their Italian bretheren.

Cheers!

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Cal Wine Guy:
Thanks for the recommendation. However, I find Pinot Grigio to be too light in texture for my palate. I've tried several and they all are extremely light. Nevertheless, thanks again.

JFJ

My favorite Summer white is Evolution from Sokol Blosser. Its great with BBQ and while its not the most complex wine in the world, everyone always enjoys it.

quote:

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JM Brocard Chablis

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I would also agree with this. They are a fine QPR producer. You won't go wrong with any 2000 from them; otherwise, try to get a Premier Cru wine. It might set you back a bit more but it is worth it.

I like New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs in the summer. Except for Cloudy Bay, which is about $27, they tend to run from $11 for wines like Nobilo and Babich to $20 for wines like Isabel. Some good ones are:

Isabel (favorite)
Konrad and Co.
Villa Maria
Nobilo (Nobilo Icon for $18 is terrific)
Nautilus
Cairnbrea
Zenith


A good Sancerre such as Fournier or Jean-Max Roger is often nice. (Both around $20)

Or try a Kabinett from a good German producer from 2001 or 2002. Selbach-Oster, Schprietzer, Dr. Losen, JJ Prum, and, my favorite, JJ Christoffel should all have Kabinetts under or at around $20.

I recently had a 2002 Theo Minges Scheurebe Spatlese and it was terrific.

Finally, go on the really cheap and get some nice dry Roses. For about $6 Vega Sindoa makes and awesome Rose (that Parker consistently rates 88 or 89 points). Regaliale also makes an excellent one for about $11. There are too many to name from Nimes and the Rhone, but many of them are good. From America, Saintsbury makes an awesome dry Rose.

happy drinking!

a

"What contemptible scoundrel stole the cork from my lunch?" -- W.C. Fields

St. Urbans Hof Riesling Kabinett Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Piesporter- I like this with BBQ. Usually around $15. One of my favorites. The 2001 or 2002 are excellent.

Cheers!

02' French Chardonnays from Macon & Chablis

Verget is my wife and I's go to picnic wines...

02' Verget Macon Village taste like $25 Chablis for about $10 outstanding value Parker 87pts I am buying six more of these today.

02' Verget Vallions or Montmain $25-$30 btl single vineyard premier cru chablis if you want something more special. Parker 91pts

01' HDV Vineyards Chardonnay a non oaky CA Chardonnay with French grand cru elegance and length. $39/btl at K&L if you to try something special with Lobster sometime. WS92 me..94+