Aromatic Days of Summer
On my journey this morning around the drive to the rock where I swim, I was delighted by the scent of summer blooms after the fresh rain and rising humidity. I inhaled deeply and smiled broadly, taking in the perfumed floral smells of summer that swirled and captured my senses. As I walked along the lush, green path to the rock, I instinctively paused and inhaled. Yes, I had to stop and smell the roses! (Pardon the cliché, but I couldn’t resist!) Everything is blooming, and I could not help but notice that the scents that beguiled me were reminiscent of the aromatic white wines that I so often enjoy drinking. Perhaps not a coincidence that I follow paths perfumed by the very same scents.
Interestingly, aromatic whites seem to be enjoying a resurgence of popularity as of late, at least with my customers. I love hearing you asking for these. But, what does it mean, “aromatic white wines”? It is a fair question because almost all wine has aromatics associated with the smell and the flavor, but “aromatic whites” means something more specific. Arguably, there is a component in certain grapes, but let’s not get too scientific, but rather focus on how we experience it. Aromatic whites are full flavored, intensely fragrant, fruity and perfumed wines with bright acidity. They often smell of beach roses and honeysuckle, just like my walk along our beautiful Cliff Walk, as well as tropic fruits, apricots, stone fruits, and wet stone. If you have wondered what people mean by aromatic wines, go out and walk on the Cliff Walk or ride your bike around Ocean Drive, and you will know what we are all talking about. Or walk through your own garden, smell the lavender, geraniums, and jasmine flowers—you will find all of those in these heady aromatic wines.
These wines range from bone dry to off dry, and even to beautifully sweet; they are typically more acid driven and full flavored. Yes, they are very fruity, but that does not mean sweet (I will save that explanation for next week.) Some varietals to try? Sauvignon Blanc or Albariño, Viognier, Riesling, Muscat Blanc and of Alexandria, Vidal Blanc (try our local Vidal from Greenvale, it is delicious!), Gewurtztraminer, and sometimes Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay. So many to try, and fortunately a long, meandering summer that has only just begun in which to try them!
As luck might have it, these wines are wonderful with the foods we are enjoying this time of year. They like to harmonize with fresh, fruity, bright, citrus flavors, so make a big salad topped with pan seared skate wing, or sauté some scallops on top of crispy kale, of get out that wok and stir fry some mushrooms and bok choy with a little heat.
If this article makes you curious about these wines, there are a few I recommend! Visit my website for suggestions!
Cheers, Maria