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Ahh, yes. Summer is just around the corner, time for a new swimsuit and a new attitude ... and maybe some new wines. Let's put aside the chardonnays, sauvignon blancs and Rieslings for now. I'm talking new. From parts of the world you didn't even know made wine and from grapes that are almost impossible to pronounce. You know — new. With that in mind, here are a few of my favorite summery white wines. They may be a little harder to find, but you'll find the reward is well worth the journey.
2006 Txakolina Arabako "Xarmant" Hondarribi Zuri
Castilla y Leon, Spain — $12
The first two words are the winery's name, the third is the cuvée's name, and the fourth and fifth words are the name of an obscure grape that almost disappeared. Txakolina (chok-o-LEE-na) is also the name of the subregion in Spain that the grape comes from. Confused yet? Don't be. You can study the bottle as you enjoy the contents. Bottled with a hint of spritz, it's fruity but dry with flavors of green apples and pears opening into citrus flavors of oranges and tangerines and a chalk-laced finish. (Wine and Cheese Place, 7435 Forsyth, 314-727-8788)
2007 Boutari "Santorini" Assyrtiko
Santorini, Greece — $15
This comes all the way from a 300-year-old vineyard located on the island of Santorini and is made from 100 percent Assyrtiko (ah-see-UR-tee-co). Due to the remote location and sandy, ash-based soil, these vines were among the few that escaped the European Phylloxera plague. Intoxicating floral aromas and dense flavors of white cherries, overripe pears and figs fill the mouth with bright citrus and a touch of crispness on the finish. This is your island wine! (Lukas Liquors, 15921 Manchester, 636-227-4543)
2006 Bucci Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi
Italy — $20
Bucci is one of the most notable producers in the Marche region on the Adriatic coast. Made from 100 percent Verdicchio, this medium-bodied white wine displays flavors of red apples, rich citrus and peaches that explode on the palate with the round texture of almonds and water chestnuts. Balanced acidity and creamy mouthfeel lead slowly into a soft mineral finish. This is your new chardonnay alternative for 2008. (Starrs, 1135 S. Big Bend, 314-781-2345)
