3 minute read
A WHITER SHADE OF PALE
Choose a Different White Wine
by Jerry Hammaker
—Lyrics from “A Whiter Shade of Pale” by Procol Harum
Photo by Matthieu Joannon
If you get excited about trying new types of wine, then maybe you’ll be the one skipping and cartwheeling after leaving the chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, and pinot grigio on the shelf. Most wine drinkers go for what they already know. They usually drift toward the same bottle with a recognizable label or a familiar name. They find themselves in the same supermarket or wine shop staring at the same shelf that holds the same bottles as before. Consumers usually choose chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, and pinot grigio as their go-to white wines. Spring is coming! Time to bring new life to your wine purchases, and you don’t have to break the bank because these lesser-known whites are usually a bit less expensive, too. Let’s take a look at some alternative white wines for your next trip to the supermarket wine aisle. As you reach for that old faithful bottle of white wine, think of A Whiter Shade of Pale as your cue to choose something different.
Versatile
Easily adapted to different tasks and styles, few, if any, grape varieties are as versatile as Chenin Blanc. Chenin was perhaps born in Spain; it has prospered in France and continues to flourish in South Africa and the United States. Not only is this wine a world traveler, but it has as many styles as any other grape variety. Bone dry, check. Off-dry, check. Dessert sweet, check. Bubbles, check. Mouthwatering acidity, check. Even the aromas of Chenin Blanc are versatile with peach, green apple, apricot, melon, citrus, crème Fraiche, earth, and honey that can come to the nose. Food Pairings for Chenin Blanc vary as much as the wine itself. Anything from a cheese plate to a big turkey dinner, fish to pork and veal, and vegetables from cauliflower to mushrooms will be a proper pairing with Chenin Blanc.
Spicy
Characteristic of spice; aromatic or fragrant; of a slightly risqué nature. The grape with the hard to pronounce the name. Gewurztraminer can be a bit intimidating even before you open the bottle. Some people simply skip over this wine because they can’t pronounce it. Guh-VURT-struh-mee-ner or just GuhVURTS is much more pleasant to drink than to say. While the Germans can take responsibility for the name of this grape, Gewurztraminer was probably born in Italy. The largest plantings can now be found in Alsace, France. Don’t overlook the New York Finger Lakes for this variety. One of the most aromatic grapes, Gewurztraminer is known for its unique perfume of spices, rose, and lychee fruit. These aromas pass to the palate, making it a perfect pairing for spicy and full-flavored Asian and Indian food dishes.
Refreshing
Pleasingly fresh or different. Albariño (al-bah-REEN-yo) in Spain or Alvarinho in Portugal is a super sipper. Origins point to Galicia or as a relative to Riesling or Petit Manseng. You will often find the Rías Baixas region of Spain on the label. Citrus and lemon zest aromas combine with a hint of melon and salinity. Mouthwatering acidity, a dry style, and a light body leave the drinker wanting more and more. Albariño will become your go-to wine for hot summer days or whenever you have a meal of fish, oysters, seafood, ceviche, or any vegetable-based Spanish tapas.
Photo by rinat shakirov
When you call out for another drink, and the waiter brings a tray, or you are standing in the wine aisle, remember a Whiter Shade of Pale. You will be skipping and cartwheeling in no time!
Jerry Hammaker, Owner Certain Aged Ventures www.CertainAged.com Wine Consultant, PR%F Awards
