"G" Grapes and their White Wines

As I moved into the "G" grapes, I was amazed at how many white wines are made from these grapes, Garganega, Gewurztraminer, Godello, Grechetto, Greco, Grenache Blanc, and Gruner Veltliner. Wines from Italy, France and Austria made up my "sipping" list. The Italian grape Garganega (gahr-gah-NEH-gah) was found in a bottle of Soave Classico Vigna Dello Stefano 2009 from the Veneto region of N.E. Italy. Light, delicious with a hint of almonds....I loved it by itself or with a summer salad. My second "G" grape, Gewurztraminer (guh-VURTS-trah-mee-ner) was found in a 2007 Alsatian Hugel Gewurztraminer. It was one of the more expensive bottles of wine at $30.00 but definitely well worth it. The Hugel family from the Alsace region of France has been producing wine for 12 generations. I explored this grape with my wine sipping buddy, Melanie at Dallas's Thai-riffic Restaurant over steamed Thai dumplings, Pad Kee Mow and a dish of Panang, a red curry. A great wine and food pairing! Moving on to the next grape, Godello which I found in a Castelo do Papa 2005 from the Valdeorras region of Spain. Tropical aroma, herb notes and a well balanced acidity made this another easy summer sipping wine. Two more Italian wines from Jimmy's included the grapes Grechetto (gre-KEH-toh) and Greco (GREH-koh). The wines were a $14.99 Sportoletti Assisi Grechetto 2006 and Greco di Tufo Tenute di Altavilla at $19.99. Both wines were more minerally in flavor than fruity. The Grenache Blanc (gruh-NAHSH blahn) grape was found in a bottle of La Vielle Ferme 2008 from the Rhone Valley of France. Another light wine that was perfect with a cold chicken salad. My final "G" grape was the Gruner Veltliner (GROO-ner FELT-lih-ner) in a bottle of Wolfgang Concerto 2005 from the Burgenland region of Austria. It was challenging getting past the metallic aroma and I found the wine not in balance as the acidity was very pronounced. Overall, the hot Dallas summer evenings were definitely cooled down with some of these delightful white wines.