3 French White Wines To Try This Summer
Yes, we all know the French are known for their wines but many of us associate red wines with France - big Bordeaux, yummy Gamay, Burgundy. The works.
But don’t sleep on your summer, seasonal white wines from the region. Here are three French varietals to try (and what region you should get them from)!
A floral and fruity Viognier from the Rhone Valley. The Northern Rhone exhibits a continental climate with granite soils that are excellent for growing the especially picky Viognier varietal. This region produces low acidity, dry white wines with floral aromas and fruity notes of tangerine, peach, and mango (to name a few). Paired with scallops - perfection!
An off-dry Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley. If you can’t go to the garden land of former Kings (and their still beautiful castles) then at least drink like royalty this summer with a Middle Loire Valley Chenin Blanc. The high acidity of this varietal balances a range of sweetness levels and brings forward pear, quince, apricot, and persimmon flavors. An off-dry wine is my personal favorite - the perfect tart and sweet to pair with Asian foods or soft cheeses.
An aromatic Riesling from Alsace. This wine region in the North East borders Germany and, because growing conditions are similar, produces some of the same varietals - including Riesling. However, this isn’t your German aunt’s sweet Riesling. No. French Rieslings are dry, fruit forward with balanced acidity. Green fruit and citrus notes are elevated by floral aromas - all of which make an excellent pairing for the seafood of summer.
My picks:
Domaine de la Presidente, Cotes du Rhone Blanc, 2022. 90% Viognier, 5% Grenache Blanc, 5% Roussanne.
Bougrier ‘V’ Vouvray, Chenin Blanc, 2022. 100% Chenin Blanc.
Albrecht Riesling Tradition, Riesling, 2019. 100% Riesling.