Summer Whites & 2010 LiBella Pinot Grigio

This week I got to try a lot of fun wines perfect for the upcoming warmer months.  I tasted my first Silvaner, the 2010 Winzer Sommerach Silvaner Trocken from Franken, Germany, which showed characteristics of lemon, honeydew melon, blossom, and white mineral.  I also had the honor of spending Wednesday with Magali Combard-Couvignou of Domaine Saint Andre de Figuiere (Provence), and got to try her two fascinating white blends, four delicate and lovely dry roses, a delicious red blend, and a fantastic and unique extra brut sparkling rose.

Yesterday I tasted yet another wine ideal for summer - the 2010 LiBella Pinot Grigio, produced by Shaw Vineyard in New York’s Finger Lakes.  An Alsatian-inspired New World Pinot Gris, it’s bright and lemony with a bit of white mineral and a hint of sweetness, and finishes off cleanly.  Pair with cheeses, salads, and shellfish, or sip on the dock, the porch, or at a summer party - it’s a really fun wine at a great price.

2010 LiBella Pinot Grigio (Finger Lakes)

Single Vineyard Pinot Gris from the East Side of Seneca Lake

400 cases produced

Residual sugar 1.25%

Alcohol 12%

All stainless steel

Suggested retail price $15

www.shawvineyard.com