Crispness is the result of higher acidity in a wine. Wines that have higher acidity tend to be wines that do not spend long periods of time in oak barrels or go through the bacterial fermentation (malo-lactic fermentation) that many Chardonnays go through. This malo-lactic fermentation creates a creamy texture in wines and tends to soften the acidity which limits crispness. Barrel Fermentation also reduces crispness, by adding richness and body to a wine. The ultimate crisp wines come from straight tank fermentation (stainless steel, glass or concrete).  These "tank fermented" wines are considered fruit forward and have a crisp clean character that refreshes the palate. 

Let's first talk about German Rieslings. These are often overlooked partially because many people are of the belief that these wines are too "sweet" - well if you think a tart Granny Smith Apple or a Bosch Pear are too sweet, then, in fact, Rieslings may very well be too sweet for you. For me, nothing refreshes like a good, low alcohol German Riesling on a warm summer day. Riesling also work wonderfully with all types of Chicken and other Fowl as well as Asian cuisine, Pork and certainly Fish. Two Princes Riesling stands out as a perfectly balanced Riesling, not too dry, not too sweet with just the perfect level of acidity - it's the quintessential summer wine.

Are there other wines that are crisp and refreshing for summer quaffing? You bet!  Sauvignon Blanc is a great example of a crisp summer white.  En Tiempo Sauvignon Blanc from Northern California is one I would not be without.  I love this Sauvignon because if its zing and tangerine citrus flavor.  Sauvignon Blancs are very versatile and go well many different types of foods, especially fish and fowl.

You can also reach toward Italian whites when you desire a crisp summer white. Tomaiolo's Pinot Grigio is floral and super crisp.  Domain Polier is a French white burgundy (100% Chardonnay)- it has just a "hint" of oak and is crisp, flavorful, fruity, and refreshing. Chablis from Bourgogne France (100% Chardonnay) also offer some amazingly intense wines with plenty of good crisp tart apple and pear flavors.

Are there more crisp summer whites than just the few offered in this article? Of course. So when you are browsing the wine shelves remember to avoid whites with labels that indicate the wine has large doses of oak or higher alcohol levels (13.5 percent and up for sure). Most of crisp, fresh fruit forward whites are crafted to be drunk sooner rather than later (so also avoid wines that are older than 4 or 5 years) and should be chilled to about 50 degrees, not frozen.

All of the wines mentioned in this article are available at the Vino 100 Wine Shop located at the Newburgh Waterfront (across from Front Street Marina and just a short walk from Gully's Marina). Vino 100 also has a wine chiller which can cool down any wine to the appropriate temperature in about 4 minutes.

by Tom Settino, Vino 100, Newburgh, NY