There are many great white wines for beating the summer heat. However, I am privy to our French counterparts when the temperatures rise. Aside from rosè wine, the French are well known for chardonnay from the Burgundy wine region. Yet there are many other great French white grape varieties outside of the chardonnay box that pair well with grilled white fish and summer salads. Here are some selections.
Goisot Bourgogne Aligoté, Burgundy, France. Aligoté is a white grape from Burgundy. Domaine Goisot focuses on biodynamic practices and keeps its production low to ensure high quality. This aligoté is from 10- to 30-year-old vines. It has great vibrancy and acidity while the mouthfeel is still round. To preserve its freshness, the Goisots ferment and age in stainless steel tanks. It’s full of tropical, green apple and pear notes. It’s a great partner for sea bass, mahi mahi and salmon fish with an olive oil drizzle and crumbled goat cheese. Less than $30.
Domaine de La Guipière L’Ecailler Gros Plant Du Pays, Nantais, France. From the Loire Valley, this white wine is made from the grape gros plant, also known as folle blanche. This unique wine is pleasing to a wide range of wine lovers, especially those looking for a crisp, clean, high-acid white to pair with green salads, white fish and shellfish. It is perfect with oysters, clams and mussels. It comes from 40-year-old vines in schist soils that give it a chalky texture and mouthfeel. It is full of pear, Granny Smith apple and lemon-lime notes. Less than $20.
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CLEAR CHOICES: There are many French options when considering white grape varieties outside of chardonnay. Here are four candidates, plus one made from chardonnay.
COURTESY JESSICA NORRIS GRANATIERO[/caption]
Château Le Raz Bergerac Sec, France. This wine is a unique blend of sauvignon blanc and another grape grown widely in France called semillon. Its combination gives us crisp, vivacious acidity from the sauvignon blanc, while the semillon adds body, weight and texture. It aged on its lees for some time, which adds depth and roundness to the mouthfeel. It is medium-bodied with tropical fruit, Golden Delicious apples and citrus notes. The wine can be paired with arugula, blood orange and feta cheese salads, shredded chicken atop cold orzo salad and cucumber tomato salads with olive oil. Less than $20.
Saint Peyre Picpoul de Pinet, Languedoc, France. From France’s southern region of the Languedoc, Picpoul de Pinet is made from the grape of the same name, picpoul. It is one of the most popular grapes in southern France. When poured, you will notice its green-yellow hue with only a touch of effervescence. Its stainless steel fermentation shines through with its light body, fresh acidity and zingy mouthfeel. The flavors are vibrant of melon, lemon, lime, pear and Pink Lady apples. Cured meats will marry well with its prominent acidity while light white fish will pair nicely with its softer body. Pulled pork sandwiches with fontina cheese will also match nicely. Less than $15.
Domaine d’Elise Petit Chablis, France. I had to include one French white made from the chardonnay grape, and this comes from the Chablis region, famous for chardonnay. Specifically from the village of Milly, the domaine has been in existence since 1970 with the Prain family owning it since 1982. The chardonnay wine is fermented in stainless steel-lined cement vats and then goes through malolactic fermentation to soften the wine’s acidity and mouthfeel. It then rests on its lees for an additional seven months, which adds texture, energy and body. It has a soft creaminess and notes of tropical and citrus fruits. Roasted cauliflower, corn chowder or creamy French cheeses are great food partners. Less than $30.
Jessica Norris Granatiero is the founder of The Savory Grape, a wine, beer and spirits shop in East Greenwich. She can be reached through her website, www.jessicagranatiero.com, or by email at jessica@thesavorygrape.com.
