Spring and summer whites

A couple of weeks back we wrote of the great crop of rose wines to be enjoyed in the warm spring (and warmer summer) days. We will follow up a couple of weeks from now with great light bodied reds to be enjoyed as our gatherings move outdoors. Here now are some of new whites we are enjoying that will pair perfectly with the warm weather, as well as new vintages of some more familiar names that are again great.

At our in-shop tasting last Friday, I was asked what our best selling white wine was. The current vintage 2013 of the Cheverny Blanc from Domaine du Salvard $18, wine club price $16.20, again sits atop the heap, as it has for several years now. It is a lovely crisp blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay that sees no oak barreling either in fermentation or ageing, preserving all the clean apple and pear flavors backed up with hints of citrus. It is a perfect picnic wine paired with Pan Bagnat.

The 2014 Skylark Pinot Blanc 22, wine club price 19.80, is the most elegant white wine we have in the shop. Every year it just seems to get better and better. With its lemon crme palate and minerality on the nose, it is one of those wines that will impress guests when you serve it, or wow your friends when you bring it to their house. The nepotism factor aside since Mary's brother is the ownerwinemaker, we can't imagine summer without this Pinot Blanc and grilled salmon.

We continue to see occasional great "post off" deals on wine. This is when producers and distributors temporarily reduce the wholesale price on wine to help move through some inventory. The 2013 Cougar Crest Viognier $15 (wine club price $13.50) is normally quite a lot more, but the price dropped and we are passing it along. This Viognier from Washington sees no oak, making it a great summertime wine loaded with peach flavors and aromatics of ripe nectarine and peach blossom. An afternoon cocktail party paired with cheese and cured meats is the perfect time to roll this one out.

Sauvignon Blanc and summer are another one of those natural seasonal pairings we look forward to. Both the 2013 Sean Minor $14 (wine club price $12.60) and the 2013 Honig $17 (wine club price $15.30) hit all the highlights of well-made SB, with loads of pink grapefruit flavors and aromas followed by crisp racy acidity to keep the glass of wine clean and light - perfect on a hot afternoon. The vibrant fruit that is held in check by the aforementioned acid make these two gems great with many foods, but a summer pizza of figs and rich bleu cheese may be the best way to go.

There are some Chardonnay drinkers who prefer this more opulent white wine regardless of what the calendar says. We get it! To fit that request we have really enjoyed another post off item. The 2010 Paraiso Chardonnay from Appellation Wine Company out of California is a steal at $15 (wine club price $13.50). It is another post off deal we were able to pick up, and with it coming from the cool 2010 growing year, it is in great shape. All pear and apple flavors, with a balanced oak profile and firm acid, the wine is great on its own or with chicken paillard on herb salad.

Like many wine consumers we enjoy bubbly year round. The Pierre Chainier from France $14, wine club price $12.60, is the perfect sparkling at the perfect price to enjoy at brunch on Mother's Day, or to feature as your toasting wine at summer weddings. Balanced between strawberry and citrus flavors and featuring small tight bubbles, it is light and joyful.

For these and other great white wines to enjoy in the warmth of summer, stop by the shop or check with your favorite wine professional about those already here and the ones that will arrive in the coming months. Stay tuned for our review of summer reds coming soon!

If there is a topic you would like to read about or questions on wine you can email George@thedinnerpartyshop.com or make suggestions by contacting the Healthy Community section at the Coeur d'Alene Press.

George Balling is co-owner (with his wife Mary Lancaster) of the dinner party, a wine and tabletop decor shop by Costco in Coeur d'Alene. George has also worked as a judge in many wine competitions; his articles are published around the country. You can learn more about the dinner party at www.thedinnerpartyshop.com. You can get all of these articles as well as other great wine tips by friending us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/#!/dinnerpartyshop.