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Thriving on the Vine: Lighten up Already

With warm weather upon us, we present five patio perfect wines, handpicked by a chef who throws parties every day.

By Charlie Deal
Published: Mar 26, 2008

They've always been there, exotic and refreshing wines that echo the vibrant aromas and enticing warmth of spring and summer. Try looking past the stacks of nondescript grape juice they're pawning off as "porch wine," and you'll find some unforgettable choices geared both to the season at hand and the foods that come with it?

Avinyo Cava NV ($16)
Everyone should have a bottle of Cava in the fridge. Why? 1) Cava + Bossa Nova = someone's saying something sexy. 2) It's great on its own and inexpensive enough that you can make cocktails with it. 3) The party arrives with you. Seriously, we all need to drink more sparkling wine and this one�s racy lemon fruit makes it delicious on its own and amazingly versatile with food. Steamed shrimp dumplings or salty and fried foods come to mind.

Hillinger Pinot Grigio 2006 ($13)
Look to the mountains of Northern Italy or even further north into Austria to find Pinot Grigios that bring depth and nuance along with the refreshing fruit that made the grape so popular. This one is stylishly hemmed and laced with finesse (not surprising, the proprietor is a former Hugo Boss model). Hints of melon, a rich texture, and lovely balance call for light salads of smoked fish or avocado.

Sauvignon Republic Stellenboch Sauvignon Blanc 2007 ($18)
These guys make nothing but Sauvignon Blanc from three of the finest areas in the world for growing the grape, and you really can't go wrong with any of their offerings. If pressed to pick one, I�d go with their South African bottling, with its flamboyant tropical fruits and laser-like acidity, proving a great match for Southeast Asian cuisine or grilled fish with fruit relish.

Jacky Piret Beaujolais Villages Fleurie 2005 ($20)
I can't fathom not loving this wine. It literally tastes like you crushed a handful of fresh raspberries into a glass. Abundant, bright fruit makes this about as quenching as a red wine can be. It's time you moved on from Beaujolais Nouveau to the real thing. That stuff is cute, this is wine. Serve barely chilled with roast chicken that you eat with your hands.

Perrin et Fils Rasteau Cotes du Rhone Villages 2005 ($18)
Grenache done well, like this, is simultaneously accessible and profound. Juicy and agreeable enough that you can quaff it with BBQ, but stop and think about it and you'll taste layers of plum and blackberry fruits set off by peppery nuance and earthy depth. The Perrin family is renowned for remarkable wines, and this can be your pleasant introduction.

Now the bad news... Pretty soon, they'll just start asking you to bring the wine and you'll have no more excuses to make your 'famous' jello salad.

Charlie Deal and his wife were chased from pre-Arnold California by nightmares of million dollar outhouses and now reside in North Carolina where he's the proprietor, executive chef, and wine director of Jujube Restaurant. When he's not looking for a good taco...well, he's pretty much always looking for a good taco.

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