ulling summer heat calls for crisp, edgy summer wines. Look for white wines with medium body, balanced acid, and a slight sweetness as a way to enjoy these long, hot summer days and nights.

Vouvray from the Loire Valley is a good choice. Be sure to select a reputable vigneron as quality can vary from lesser producers. Vouvray is made exclusively from Chenin Blanc. The Loire has a gravely topsoil as a result of the river influences in the area. The result of the terrior is a golden, delicate, crisp wine to enjoy as an aperitif, with fresh seasonal fruit, and mild cheese. Jean Sauvion is a good choice of labels as the family has been in the valley many years.

Pinot Gris from Alsace is a favorite selection for this time of year. While this region is known mostly for Riesling and Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris from Alsace offers a mild perfume aroma, rich flavors, and very dry finish. Excellent with food as the mild aromas will not detract from your favorite summer dishes.

Sparkling summer wines from Alsace represent great value and allow you to consume a methode champenoise sparkler on a more frequent basis as an aperitif, with light appetizers or as a way to end a long day of work. Marquis De Perlade NV from longtime Alsatian producer Pierre Sparr is made from Pinot Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Macabeu, and Chardonnay. The dry style of this wine is from the technique where each varietal is vinified separately and then blended together to get maximum benefit from the particular flavor profiles of the different grape varieties. The wine is aged 12 months or so prior to disgorgement. Great quality enjoyment at a favorable price.

If Pouilly Fuisse has priced itself out of your comfort zone, try a St- Veran from southern Burgundy. St -Veran is located between Maconnaise and Beaujolais. This Chardonnay is grown on limestone soil, vinified in stainless steel (like Pouilly Fuisse), and the communes of this appellation are adjacent to Pouilly Fuisse. It is usually ½ the price of Pouilly and offers many of the same flavors and elegance. St-Veran from producer Georges Duboeuf is a solid choice for a summer wine and can be readily found in the market.

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