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Here are four "cafe" wines ... light, don't think about 'em too much, but pretty tasty and reminiscent of an inexpensive quaff you might have enjoyed on a European place/plaza/piazza/platz some sunny summer afternoon
1. Vino Verde (Portugal; white) - 9-10% alcohol, and for me the lemonade of the wine world. Dry, crisp, light to the point of being a touch too low on flavor (especially if you like CA chardonnays), but just the ticket when the mercury hits 90. Popular Gazela brand is $7 in local wine shops. Never pay over $10.
2. Gruner Veltliner (Austria; white) - often found in liter bottles (1/3 larger than normal size). I liked the 2010 Hugl at $13, but try whichever you find. Refreshing appley flavors, fruity but dry. Recommended by an online wine publication as best match for ... HOT DOGS!
3. Dry Rose (Spain, Argentina, Provence) - Yeah, wineloving friends think I'm crazy when I grab a glass of dry rose in summer but my wife and I love the stuff. You can pay $20 if you want, but I never would. The best buys in dry rose come from Spain (my preference; the Borsao brand is reliable) and Argentina these days, usually tasting faintly of strawberries or raspberries, and grabbing attention with their lovely color.
4. Dolcetto (Italy; red) - Dolcetto is the kid sister of the big brawny grapes of northern Italy (nebbiolo and Barbera). The Terre d'Aleramo brand for just $10 at Andersons' tastes like pie cherries, dry and slightly tart (and only 12% alcohol, very low for red these days). Try with chicken off the grill or other light meats. Other brands of this wine can be a bit fuller bodied, also more pricey.
How about your favorite hot weather wine??
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