Can't beat the heat

Personally, most summers I wish the Earth was a few orbit rings away from our blistering sun. With record heat-wave numbers occurring every year, I think most sane Southern California dwellers enjoy the relief given from escaping those penetrating rays as opposed to basking in the sun itself. Even though I am a man of vast resources, I choose not to use air-conditioning for mostly environmental (and some fiscal) reasons in both my car and home. This puts me in quite the predicament being that I live in Los Angeles proper and probably will continue to do so for some time. My solution: Italian whites. And right now, more specifically, Southern Italian whites. To some, this might seem contrary to my train of thought here, being that in Southern Italy, from heel to toe, the heat can truly be unbearable. Sicily and Sardinia are basically giant volcanoes. Yet some of the vino bianchi down here can be so refreshingly crisp and floral, with striking minerality and pure fruits. 

I’ll highlight just a few varietals (out of the hundreds grown) that I’ve really enjoyed recently. The 2006 Argiolas Costamolino Vermentino from Sardinia is snappy with apple and quince fruits with a juicy finish. I feel like I love with these island wines more and more each day. In Sicily, the lush and exuberant Planeta Chardonnay dominates like the native Cosa Nostra but leaves room for other producers like Gulfi and Donnafugata. On the mainland, Falanghinas from Campania offer a touch of richness, floral notes, and spicy minerals and in certain DOC’s like Falerno Del Massico, fresh peach with a touch of honey can be picked out of these wonderful wines. We just brought in the 2006 Villa Matilde Falerno del Massico which I highly recommend. My advice to those who are on the verge of summering in the artic, pick up a bottle of Southern Italian white wine and be cool, Italian style.