David: Chardonnay may be the biggest selling and most popular white grape in the world. And there are certainly some outstanding chardonnay based wines that command very high prices. However, chardonnay has slowly become a household name that most often refers to an establishment’s house white wine.

Christian: I, too, have tasted and loved chardonnays. Actually, I am lying. I usually hate chardonnay. I just can’t get over all the oak treatment. The aromas of most of them remind me of hard labor in a lumber yard. So, I am happy to share some ABC’s and more good news: the wines I’ll recommend are usually cheaper than Chardonnay as well!

D: To begin, let’s try viognier, pronounced (VEE Own YEAH). This grape produces wines with a very similar body and consistency to chardonnay, yet has a much fresher taste that often is described as floral tropical fruits. It’s indigenous to the Rhone Valley of France, but California and South America are making gorgeous wines with viognier. Try one with fresh seafood, especially crab meat.

C: Sauvignon blanc may be my beverage of choice, especially in these hot summer months. This crisp clean white can vary in flavor from fresh citrus to gooseberry and mineral, depending on its origin. The Loire Valley of France is the true home to this varietal, yet New Zealand is producing some outstanding sauvignon blancs. I like to think this wine will go great with any food you would squeeze lemon over.

D: Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris (name depends on location) is another white alternative with very mild, easy drinking flavors. When you just want a glass of wine, but don’t want to commit to any strong tastes or mouthfeel, pinot grigio is the way to go. In fact my neighbor often refers to this grape as “Sissy Italiano.” With favorable price points and as a non-offensive crowd pleaser, Pinot Grigio has an important home in the wine world. Check Italy for the true original of this grape, but look into Oregon Pinot Gris for some lively twists on this relatively boring grape!

C: Pinot Grigio? Really? I am not a fan, just can’t get past the cloying finish of that stuff. I would like to suggest two white wine grapes that many people have probably never heard of—and that grow nowhere near each other. Lets start with a trip to Argentina and my new favorite summer sipper grape, torrontes. I would best describe it as viognier hooking up with sauvignon blanc. Imagine beautiful floral aromas, racy acidity, with a cheap price tag. Also try Gruner Veltliner from Austria. This bone dry white is the best combination for those tasty heirloom tomatoes in your garden.

D: My German ancestors would be very upset if I did not mention the pride of Deutschland, the riesling grape. This grape has many different personalities. German riesling can be slightly sweet to “pour over your pancakes” sweet. Meanwhile, riesling from Alsace, France, can be bone dry or a touch sweet. When grown in the Southern Hemisphere this grape is much different, usually bone dry, and very oily in texture. For everyday summer sipping, I recommend German rieslings with Kabinett on the label. These wines will have a touch of sweetness, but will not send a diabetic in to sugar shock.

Here are Christian and David’s favorite two ABC wines available now in a wine shop near you.

Christian:
Urban Unico Torrontes. I have recommended this one before. Trust me, it’s awesome and cheap!
Lois Gruner Veltliner. Perfect with your fresh garden tomato and basil.

David:
Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand. Great citrus flavors and wonderful acidity.
Eilenz Ayler Kupp Riesling, QBA Germany. A great slightly sweet summer wine, try this with spicy Thai or Indian food.