Summer days (and nights) down here in Texas are pretty warm to say the least. You might recall Emily Resling’s post on summer “patio pounder” wines - well I have one that absolutely must be added to the list. Veramonte’s 2007 Sauvignon Blanc is zesty and refreshing. It has flavors and aromas of citrus, melon and herb that linger on the palate. But here’s the best part: I bought the wine at Central Market down here for $11! This is easily one of the best values - especially for white wines - that I’ve come across this year. I served it at a dinner with family with some Mahi Mahi. Rave reviews all around… the first for a white wine in a while.

What caught my eye while reading the label at the store was the winemaker; it was Augustin Huneeus of Napa Valley’s Quintessa fame. His Veramonte winery is located in the remote Casablanca Valley alongside Chile’s rugged Pacific Coast. Patagonia lies to south and the Andes Mountains rise to the east. Side note: that sounds like a winery I want to visit someday.

As the warm weather of summer draws to a close for many of you I suggest you find a bottle of Veramonte to have with your next dinner or just for an evening of drinking on the patio.