Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/687399
june 2016 / the tasting panel / 109 Terlato Vineyards 2015 Pinot Grigio, Friuli Colli Orientali ($25) No doubt this prestigious region in northeast Italy shines when it comes to white wines, an envious position on the world wine stage. This pretty, crisp white certainly shows ripeness in its concentrated notes of pear, peach and grapefruit, but its stony frame is a nod to the iconic mineral-rich, sloped terraced vineyards responsible for its pizazz and charm. The finish is clean, punctuated with an apricot accent. 93 —Meridith May Italy to the Rescue With its warm climate, and soils that manage to hold on to high acidity, Italian whites can be the best wines on a warm day. It's always appealing to have bubbles to ensure rejuvenation. As Prosecco typically exhibits ripe fruit and floral aromatics alongside its sparkle, it cools anyone off on a hot day. Wines from Alto Adige (Südtirol) take advantage of the elevation and rocky soils to make brightly acidic and refreshing wines as well. Torresella Extra Dry Prosecco DOC, Veneto, Italy ($18) Anjou pear and yellow apple as well as orchard blossoms make a satiating wine most often enjoyed by itself or as an aperitif. The extra-dry style creates a perfectly balanced level of sweetness. SANTA MARGHERTIA USA INC. Kettmeir 2014 Pinot Bianco, Südtirol DOC, Italy ($22) Green apples, lilacs and a rocky minerality lead the flavor profile here, but the hint of rich- ness on the palate make the wine perfect for lighter seafood or grazing on appetizers. SANTA MARGHERTIA USA INC. Ferrari-Carano 2015 Pinot Grigio, Sonoma County, California ($14) A veritable fruit cocktail—pear, mandarin, maraschino cherry and pineapple—with lower acidity, this is a sip-all-by-itself kind of wine. Ferrari-Carano 2014 Fumé Blanc, Sonoma County, California ($14) An intense nose of passionfruit, guava and key lime with fresh cilantro gives way to a more restrained guava and grapefruit palate with a beautiful texture. Any salad will be a great complement. Ferrari-Carano 2013 Tré Terre Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, California ($28) Red apples and lemon pith with a medium-full body and just enough oak spice to round out the finish. A little richer wine with a little richer entrée, a beurre blanc sounds terrific. Lazy Creek Vineyards 2014 Gewürztraminer, Anderson Valley, California ($22) Ripe, ripe, ripe fruit on the nose gives way to tart pear, peach and lemon on the palate—fin- ishes with sweet spice and orange peel. Summer provides a perfect opportunity to further survey Sauvignon Blanc and its different expressions depending upon where it is grown