Warm Weather's WHITE +SPARKLING Wines

 Part One:
 Quaffing regional craft beers-Americans have shown great love for home grown brews. But for sophisticated summery wines-palate pleasing value options are internationally produced...and readily available.

Some recent favs...from South Africa

Sparkling Rosés merge the win win of summer's fresh fruity acid leaning Rosés and traditional sparkling wines. Perfect for outdoor occasions- from casual beach  outings to fancier celebrations-DGB 's Boschendal's 300 years of winemaking-produces this yummy award winning,  pink hued Brut Rosé -  made in the traditional Methods Cap Classique - spending 12 months on the lees. 

Bonus points for memorable names---Black Elephant Vintners' Two Dogs A Peacock & A Horse (yup there's a story MO about the name/label)...a South African Sauvignon Blanc -is  spicier acidic mineral complex sip- than typical New Zealand style wines of this grape-though both have fruity overtones which make these food pairing easy... with about 5% fermented old vine Semillon blended in-with 5% barrel fermented Savignon Blanc. 

Interesting-the French influence of many South African  wineries (French Huguenots arrived in 1600s)...taste wise influence is obvs-including the three white wine selections we tasted by Dutch monikered Rustenberg. Located in Stellenbosch -the winery's traditionally made, barrel fermented  2016 Chardonnay has hints of  smokey-ness (imo) with citrus overtones and is a balanced oak-acid delicious choice . The Chenin Blanc-stainless steel fermented -is crisp deeply favorable wine with pineapple-pear hints-with cold evenings- dry conditions and a warm spring yielding a superb 2017 vintage. The Sauvignon Blanc's grapes come from a 550 meters up- high altitude location, is fermented in stainless steel, with melon, gooseberry and tropical fruit flavors...a no-brainer choice to pair with a slew of global  cuisines...crisp and well balanced.