CHANGE...is that a four-letter word, or what?! Sometimes the best change is one that is forced upon us (famous words of wisdom from my maternal unit.) Sometimes it's sly and weasels its way into the fabric of our life and all of a sudden "Wham!", we’ve got a new way of looking at or thinking of things. So it goes in the wine world. It's a many-forked path and I find that summer is the best time to be easy and breezy and just let 'change' be our friend.
In my case, it's finding all the weird, ethnically or varietally-challenged wines that nobody even gives the slightest of nods to when passing them down the aisle. But thrust one of these tasty whites, reds or rosés into an unassuming individual's hands and they will be amazed. Having just celebrated the 4th and anticipating some warmer BBQ and patio-slouching weather, here are a few favorites that will 'change' your views on summer sippers. Trust me; I’m a wine expert... ;)
2006 Bolgnani Moscato Giallo, Trentino - Italy
2007 Pampelonne Rosé, Provence - France (VF 92, $16)
2006 Amisfield Pinot Gris, Central Otago - New Zealand (VF 91, $21)
2007 Cabriz Colheita Seleccionada Branco, Douro – Portugal ($11) : OMG! I just bought a case after tasting this. Definitely THE white of summer and will launch the word ‘change’ into the same glorious stratosphere as “Choo” or “Blahnik” does in the shoe world…with nary a pinch to your pocketbook!
2006 Valentin Bianchi Malbec "Famiglia Bianchi", Mendoza – Argentina (IWC 89, $16)
2003 Ligneres "Les Vals Rouge", Corbieres – France (VF 91, $21)
2005 Greppi 'Greppicante', Tuscany – Italy (VF 92, $24)
