With warming trends, it seems it’s Summer all over all of the time. Certainly here in Central Texas, the Eastern edge of the Scorching Southwest. Early Fall brings Festival Season here in Austin, with our Austin City Limits fest being the hottest thing in the Fall here.
Along with the anticipation of the Fest comes the quandary…which crisp, refreshing white wines will I sneak in daily to quench aching, sun-drenched combined thirsts that surround me? Citrusy sauvignon blanc? Zingy dry riesling? Unwooded Aussie chardonnay? One of the “Three V’s” of Italy (vernaccia, verdicchio, vermentino)?
While one year’s infamously bad choice was sake (remember? I don’t) this year a peachy, apricot-y Aussie viognier from Craneford in Adelaide Hills made the cut. A well-chosen viognier is just the ticket for refreshing Fall/Indian Summer imbibing. Light enough not weigh you down with oak or fruit denseness. Interesting fruit complexity + crisp refreshment = happy, festive drinking!
Another wonderful, unique wine to seek out is Zaca Mesa Viognier. Crisp, lime-y minerality surrounds a green melon/kiwi center. He’s not heavy. He’s viognier. These wines pair affably with Mr. Turkey Leg, a boon to all Festival revelers.