Grapevine: Running Hot and Cold

Broadbent Vinho Verde NV
$12, The Winebow Group

Vinho Verde is that crisp, lightly effervescent white wine of Portugal, known for its faint greenish hue. It’s crafted from indigenous grape varieties, and Broadbent shipped this one in refrigerated containers to preserve its electric freshness. Hints of green apricot, melon, and fresh English peas here, along with a crisp mineral note and a fresh, spritzy finish. Chill one down and then chill out.

Lieu Dit Chenin Blanc 2012
$30, Prestige Beverage Group

It’s rare when a California white wine offers the character and dryness that the same grape displays in Europe. And yet, in the Lieu Dit Chenin Blanc, we’ve found a white wine with so much character, it deserves recognition. Made from vineyards in the Santa Ynez Valley, this wine is redolent with the lacy minerals and stone fruits that make Chenin Blanc so famous in places such as Savennières. 

Domaine Reine Juliette Picpoul de Pinet 2012
$12, Vignobles LVDH

If Vinho Verde is Portugal’s summer white wine of choice, then for Mediterranean French it is surely Picpoul de Pinet. Made from the Picpoul grape grown on coastal vineyards, this Languedoc gem delights the palate with light peach, citrus, and minerals, along with a faint hint of fresh seaside salinity. Delicious on its own, it also pairs well with chilled shrimp or fried chicken.