by Therese Pope

Created on: July 01, 2007   Last Updated: December 02, 2011

When I think of summer wines, I think of sipping chilled Pinot Grigio paired with brie and crackers at a summer concert in the park. White wines seem to be synonymous with the lazy days and evenings of summer. As a long time, dedicated red wine drinker, I have shied away from the chilled summer wines. I am lucky enough to live around some of the most fabulous wineries located in the foothills of northern California, and have recently discovered fabulous white wines that even die-hard red wine drinkers will enjoy (including myself!)

My summer wine repertoire usually consists of Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris, a fruity popular white wine that hails from my ancestors' country (Italy). The flavors of a good Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris varietal range from a fruity melon to a subtle smoky undertone. The color is a rich golden-yellow and it pairs well with light pasta and seafood dishes. Pinot Grigio is an inexpensive and fabulous wine and is a great wine to bring along to a family picnic.

I have also recently discovered Michael-David's Incognito Viognier (Lodi, CA). According to the wine maker, Kathe Barnett, Incognito is the white wine for red wine drinkers. Michael-David is known for its Deadly Zins but Incognito is a hidden gem that red wine drinkers may have overlooked.

The varietal was actually a case of mistaken French varietal identity (formerly known as Roussane), thus why it's called Incognito. For a bit of French wine trivia, Incognito is actually a rare clone of Viognier that somehow mysteriously appeared in California and was in fact, not a Roussane, which Michael-David discovered by accident (through DNA testing). To read the full history about this case of mistaken Roussane identity, visit http://www.lodivineyards.com/winesicn.htm

Incognito boasts a strong, intense flavor yet hints at a semi-sweet fruity undertone. It pairs well with cheeses, chicken and seafood. Incognito easily will become a favorite summer wine in your household. Incognito's price range runs from $18-$20 but it's worth every sip.

I have been singing the praises of the semi-sweet white wines of summer, but I must also tout the praises of Latin wines. Who can resist a fruity sangria made with a hearty, bold red Spanish or Chilean wine? Sangria is the perfect summer party drink. For those who aren't familiar with this popular Spanish drink, sangria is a mixture of red wine, sliced fruit, sparkling water and fruit juices and can be made in big batches. Sangria combined with Spanish tapas makes

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