Soak Up Summer Sun With a White Wine From Spain

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - May 16, 2011) - Summer is just around the corner, and it is the ideal time to unwind. The Spaniards have perfected the laid-back outlook we seek to emulate -- that carefree, laissez-faire mind-set embodied by pleasure seekers and true life-enjoyers. This summer, there's no better way to drink in this lifestyle than with a refreshing glass of Spanish white wine.

Wines from Spain recommends a range of white wines that release the Spanish attitude with every pour -- zippy yet relaxed, affordable yet refined. White wines from Spain can be served at any summer occasion, from backyard BBQs to afternoon picnics to breezy rooftop parties.

"Wine has been woven into the fabric of Spain's culture and cuisine for millennia, so it only makes sense that our list of white wines will satisfy any wine-lover's summertime palate," said Katrin Naelapaa, Director of Wines from Spain. "We in the business like to think of them as a balmy Spanish summer night in a bottle!"

When selecting the perfect wines to pair with your summer, look no further than the following white wines recommended by Wines from Spain, all of which are widely available in the U.S.

Albariño
Depending on the vintage and subregion of Rías Baixas, this indigenous variety of Galicia in northwest Spain can be rich and expressive, with peach and apricot notes, or tart and bracing, like green apples and lemon peels. Albariño pairs well with many food items, including goat cheese, summer soups, ceviche and fresh fruit.

Cava
Nearly 95 percent of Cava is from Penedès in northeastern Spain. Similar to Champagne, Spanish Cava is produced in varying levels of dryness: brut nature, brut (extra dry), seco (dry), semiseco (medium) and dulce (sweet). Sparkling wines typically have higher acidity and lower sugar levels than table wines, making them extremely complimentary to nearly any food. Cava can be served as an aperitif, or with smoked or fried fish, sushi, fruit salads and pasta.

Godello
Godello is a native white wine grape found in northwestern Spain, particularly Galicia. It is typically a full-bodied, silky, medium-acidity wine, with pear, apple, floral and light citrus aromas and flavors, and an intense mineral character. The traditional food match is seafood, especially local Galician shellfish specialties like scallops, mussels, clams, lobster, crab and oysters. Additionally, Godello is a great match with cheeses and grilled poultry.

Verdejo
A delightful and textured grape with citrus elements covering notes of melon, apple and stone fruits, Verdejo is a refreshing white wine with a dry, mineral laced finish. Grown in Rueda, Verdejo is an incredibly food friendly wine that pairs well with many dishes, including grilled salmon, seared scallops, chicken or a fresh summer salad.

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About Wines from Spain
Wines from Spain is a promotional division of the Trade Commission of Spain based in New York. For more than 25 years, Wines from Spain has been committed to increasing the awareness of Spanish wines throughout the United States through education, informational materials, special events and promotions. For further information on specific wine regions and producers, please contact: Wines from Spain, Trade Commission of Spain, 405 Lexington Avenue, 44th Floor, New York, NY 10174-0331 or visit www.WinesfromSpainUSA.com.