TABLE TALK
E AT & D R I N K
Grape Expectations Enjoy spring with white wines that are off the usual menus
BRUNO SAVOCA
Written by CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT
S
pring awakens our sense of renewal and transformation. So why not infuse a crisp freshness into your white wine selections this season? Wine specialist and Wine Talks Miami founder Sarah Phillips McCartan is sharing her favorite off-the-beaten-path white wines so you can embrace spring with some new, bright selections. And for those who can’t think about ever giving up their Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio sips, don’t worry: She has some top-notch alternatives just for you.
PALOMINO FROM SPAIN
EXAMPLE: Corta Y Raspa Mahina Palomino is widely planted in Spain but is mainly used for making sherry. Today, more dry table wines are being made from the grape. They borrow some of sherry’s winemaking techniques, making them tangy, nutty and delicious. PAIRING: Perfect with Manchego cheese before or after dinner.
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CHARDONNAY FROM ARGENTINA
HENIN BLANC FROM SOUTH AFRICA
ASSYRTIKO FROM SANTORINI, GREECE
WHITE WINE FROM MOUNT ETNA, SICILY
EXAMPLE: Fosil
EXAMPLE:
EXAMPLE: Estate
EXAMPLE: Benan-
by Zuccardi This delicious, fresh, chalky white wine is Argentina’s answer to Chablis, with just a little more fruit flavor. Enjoy this with friends who think they don’t like Chardonnay— and change their minds! It’s not at all buttery. PAIRING: Crisp, fresh salads.
Reyneke Vinehugger Chenin Blanc South Africa is a source of many delicious red and white wines, and Johan Reyneke is one of my favorite winemakers. This refreshing dry white has bags of quince, ripe red apple, yellow peach and beeswax. This is an excellent alternative to Chardonnay. PAIRING: Its vibrant fruit profile pairs well with savory pastry dishes.
Argyros Assyrtiko Santorini Assyrtiko has it all: alluringly complex aromas, silky rounded texture and zippy freshness. It’s best enjoyed at a dinner party with friends, especially wine lovers who will be impressed by your hidden gem choice. PAIRING: It goes without saying, but enjoy this with any of your favorite Greek dishes.
ti Etna Bianco Etna is one of the most impressive wine regions that I’ve visited. When you walk around, it feels alive— perhaps because it is on an active volcano! The wines are lively and energetic, too, especially the zesty whites. PAIRING: Complete the Sicilian experience by pairing it with arancini.
Sarah Phillips McCartan
RIESLING FROM AUSTRIA
EXAMPLE: Domane Wachau’s Ried Achleiten Riesling is not all sweet. In fact, Riesling from Austria rarely has any sweetness. This is a country of primarily dry white wines. What the best examples do have is grandeur: rich, waxy textures and intense flavors. Brace yourself. PAIRING: Cooking dinner that should be paired with a bold red, but you’d prefer a white? Go with this wine.
PICPOUL DE PINET FROM FRANCE
EXAMPLE: Domaine Font Mars Picpoul de Pinet Picpoul, a native grape in southern France, is your Pinot Grigio alternative. It’s wildly popular in English pub gardens but flies under the radar here in Florida. It’s crisp, fresh, dry, rarely over $20 and highly drinkable. PAIRING: This is a super easy drinker—one for sipping on its own on a boat or with snacks by the pool.
bocamag.com • • • • April 2024
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2/28/24 4:23 PM