Tastings: Serve Chilled

I’m not going out on a limb to say that we’ve had more than our share of hot weather this summer, so let’s take a look at some refreshing options from the world of wine. Typically, I reserve this month’s column for rosé, but instead here are a couple of white wine options from Penedès.

I don’t often talk about Penedès because they’re very good at producing very large quantities of wine, but there are few producers that make bottles truly worthy of note, Cava aside. But, look around, and you can find wines from cellars such as Segura Viudas, which is good value, or craft wines from the brilliant Partida Creus. Both of these offer a good option to keep in the ice bucket and sip from during the long, hot evenings.

Segura Viudas – Xarel·lo 2014

Light straw colour in the glass, it has aromas of peach and white blossoms. Not the least bit weak on the palate, it’s full and pleasing, showing off everything that is great about the Xarel·lo grape from Penedès and is definitely the most interesting wine from this particular line of Segura Viudas. €4

Partida Creus – Vinel·lo Blanc 2014

Down in Baix Penedès, Massimo Marchiori is making fantastic wines that are, ironically, all outside the appellation of Penedès. This blend of several grapes, including some local, nearly extinct varietals such as Vinyater, is exquisite.  While a bit turbid in the glass due to being a natural wine, it’s aromatically complex. A wealth of stone fruit aromas wrap around citric lime and lemon peel notes. The body is rich with acidity and depth, but all of this with only 10 percent alcohol. €10-12