Dan's Papers - July 4, 2008 - Letter From The Editor

Finally. After many false starts and an unusually cool spring, summer is truly here. We head outdoors for barbeques poolside and attend cocktail parties under the stars. Summer, at its best, is all about ease and languor, and in this blissful state we find ourselves craving lighter foods and the wines that flatter them.

David and I always have a few bottles of Sancerre and Rose from Provence on hand to replace the hearty cocktails we offer in cooler months. We also find ourselves pulling out bottles of lighter reds, Pinot Noirs as opposed to big Bordeaux. And, of course, it just wouldn't be summer without the occasional gin and tonic (try Tanguerey Ten for the smoothest cocktail imaginable).

In this issue of Dan's Wine Guide writer Christopher Miller explores the region of Alto-Adige in northern Italy in "Mountain Wines" (page 153). This little-known destination (as compared to Napa and Bordeaux) produces some lovely wines that are perfect for summer's heat. Chris recommends both whites and reds that will fit almost any budget.

Any season is a good time for storytelling, but summer especially seems to lend itself to the task. In "Meeting Thy (Wine) Maker", above, Chris regales us with tales from recent wine events he has attended. Over his long and illustrious career, our senior writer has rubbed shoulders (and raised glasses) with such icons in the industry as Petrus owner Christian Moueix and wine expert Michael Broadbent. It is his passion not just to taste the wines but also to share the stories behind them.

Here on Long Island, there are a few notable events planned for July. On the 12th, Lenz Winery will hold its 19th Annual Chardonnay World Classic featuring wines from around the world, from 5:30-8 p.m., and on the 26th star chef David Rosengarten returns from India with a grilling demonstration paired with Lenz wines at 4 p.m. Call 734-6010 for information. Every weekend in July at Lieb Cellars you can taste their Bridge Lane white and red Merlots ("white is the new red") side by side. Call 298-1942.

Our next Wine Guide will be published in Dan's Papers in August. David and I are already busy planning our Fourth Annual Great Bordeaux Style Wine Tasting. How time flies! I remember our first, held at a summer rental on Shelter Island in the sweltering heat of August (we have learned since that fall weather suits the tasting far better), and I am proud to say we have come a long way. Our tasting last year featured horizontal vintages and we omitted very hot climate wines (Australia and Spain) from the lineup as the guest winemakers always picked them out instantly!

In the meantime, here's to summer.

Susan Whitney Simm is Dan's Wine Guide Editor. Email ssimm@optonline.net