BY JAMIE KNEE | JULY 16, 2024
Sunshine, sandals, and sipping something cool – that’s the ultimate summer trifecta, right? As your proud Santa Barbara wine expert and self-proclaimed white wine enthusiast, I’m here to declare this the summer of white wine! Forget the stuffiness of reds – white wines are light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor, the perfect partner for all your warm-weather adventures.
But guess what? It’s not just me, there’s been a global shift toward white wine. The entire world is experiencing a white wine revolution! International wine experts are reporting a surge in white wine consumption, with sparkling wines like Italy’s Prosecco leading the charge. This trend highlights the versatility and sheer deliciousness of white wines.
There are countless reasons to raise a glass of white wine this summer, from light and citrusy sauvignon blancs to complex chardonnays, and everything in between. The world of white wine offers endless options for every occasion be it a meal, party, or poolside relaxation session. No matter your summer plans, there’s a white wine waiting to elevate the experience.
Many white wines boast lower alcohol content than reds, making them a fantastic choice for a lighter, more refreshing drinking experience on those hot summer days. You can enjoy a glass (or two!) without feeling weighed down. But don’t be fooled by the summer association, white wines can be enjoyed all year round, with lighter styles complementing winter meals and richer options standing up to bolder flavors. So, while they might shine especially bright in the summer sun, white wines are truly versatile companions throughout the year.
Santa Barbara County boasts the ideal climate for cultivating white wine grapes. Cool Pacific breezes and long growing seasons allow the grapes to develop complex flavors while retaining refreshing acidity. This translates to some of the most incredible white wines you’ll ever experience! Santa Barbara’s unique terroir allows these white wines to truly express their varietal character, resulting in a symphony of taste waiting to be discovered.
Kick off your Santa Barbara white wine adventure with a light and citrusy sauvignon blanc. Imagine sunshine in a glass! These vibrant wines burst with flavors of grapefruit, lime, and a hint of salinity, making them ideal companions for grilled fish, fresh salads, and lighter summer fare. For those seeking a slightly richer experience, unoaked chardonnays offer refreshing citrus and green apple notes, while their oaked counterparts boast hints of peach, vanilla, and toast.
But wait, there’s more! Santa Barbara County isn’t just about sauvignon blanc and chardonnay. This region boasts a vast array of white wine grapes, each with its own unique personality.
Here are just a few of the other exciting white wines you can find grown in Santa Barbara County:
-Albariño: A variety indigenous to Northwest Spain, with vibrant acidity, refreshing citrus and stone fruit flavors.
-Chenin Blanc: This versatile grape can produce wines that range from dry to sweet, making it a great choice for a variety of palates.
-Clairette Blanche: This rare grape variety is known for its floral aromas and refreshing acidity.
-Gruner Veltliner: Crisp, minerality flavors await you in this Austrian grape.
-Gewürztraminer: Get ready for lychee and rosewater explosions with this unique grape.
-Grenache Blanc: Full-bodied with flavors of pear and melon, this grape packs a punch.
-Pinot Blanc: Lighter-bodied with citrus and apple flavors, this is a great everyday white.
-Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris: These grapes are actually the same but can vary in style. Pinot grigio tends to be lighter-bodied and fruitier, while pinot gris can be richer and more full-bodied. No matter your preference, there’s a pinot for you!
-Riesling: Bone-dry to sweet, Riesling offers a wide range of styles to explore.
-Sylvaner: Light-bodied with floral aromas, this is a delicate and refreshing choice.
-Viognier: Apricot and honeysuckle flavors abound in this full-bodied white.
-Vermentino: Crisp acidity and flavors of citrus and white stone fruits make this Italian grape a crowd-pleaser.
-Tocai Friulano: This Italian grape offers delicious apple and pear flavors.
-Roussanne: Full-bodied with flavors of honey and nuts, Roussanne is a complex and intriguing white.
Lunch on the patio? Summer dinner alfresco with friends? These white wines tend to pair beautifully with a wide range of foods, cleansing the palate between bites. Grilled fish, fresh salads, pasta with pesto and lighter summer fare all find perfect harmony with a well-chosen white wine.
So, next time you’re looking for a delicious white wine, be sure to explore the offerings of Santa Barbara County. With so many varietals to choose from, there’s a perfect Santa Barbara white wine waiting to be discovered by every wine lover! You won’t be disappointed!
