I love heat, because as a child I battled frostbite on my hands unpacking fifty cases of chicken that were packed in ice. I've had a fear of cold ever since. I enjoy sweltering hot days that almost melt your eyeballs, because I know that at the end of one of these long deleterious dog days I can embrace a perfectly chilled glass of vibrant white wine that sends a cool chill down my throat. The contrast of the cold liquid and the hot, thick heat enveloping me creates a sensation that is pure heaven. Let's talk vibrancy here. There are white wines and then there are refreshing, exhilarating, exciting white wines from all over the world that you could be missing out on. Good white wine needs the triumvirate of aroma, fruit, and acidity that creates balance on the palate to be at once pleasing and stimulating. France, Germany, New Zealand, and Spain are producing excellent wines with character, verve, and value. Some of the best summertime varietals include Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling, varietals that grow up all over the world's best wine-producing regions. Whether from France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Austria, or California, these two varietals can satiate almost all of your wine thirst-quenching needs.

Sauvignon Blanc, indigenous originally to France's Bordeaux region which produces some of the world's most famous and expensive whites (e.g. Haut Brion), can now be enjoyed for a fraction of the cost. Having a distinctly grassy, citric, and sometimes herbaceous aroma, Sauvignon Blanc typically follows through on the palate with crisp, lively citrus fruit and acidity to refresh even the most sullen days.

Riesling, my misunderstood friend. No other white wine offers up as much diversity. The most famous Rieslings are found in Germany with more styles and sweetness levels than there are colors on a painter's palette. There are actually six recognized harvest levels with wines ranging anywhere from bone dry with apple,citrus, pear, and mineral notes to super rich unctuous dessert wines reminiscent of pineapple, peaches, apricots, and honey. Other fantastic Rieslings can be found in Alsace, Washington, California, Australia, and even New Zealand. Any of these would be great with spicy foods such as Thai, Indian, German or Vietnamese dishes.

Muscat makes some of the world's most immediately gratifying wines. It is widely grown, producing aromatic and refreshing dessert wines. Muscato d'Asti, Muscat grown in the Asti region of Italy, has tell tale notes of citrus and melon with a very floral nose and low alcohol, making it the perfect refreshment with fresh fruit and friends. Alsace is the leading producer of dry Muscat with its distinctly floral wines that smell sweet, but finish dry with racing acidity. The inviting aroma leads you in and the palate-cleansing qualities of Muscat make you dream for just another day in your summer paradise.

So chill out and join us for a sail into the new world of white wines. Here are some of my Cool Summer Dreams.

Giesen Sauvignon Blanc-New Zealand, it's crisp, dry and racy with a hint of
grapefruit. ($12-14)

Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc-New Zealand, softer than the Geisen,
but still dry and refreshing. ($12-14)

Las Brisas-A Spanish blend of Verdejo and Sauvignon Blanc, with hints of citrus and
peach pits.($8-10)

Banrock Station Chardonnay-A surprisingly dry, medium oaked value Australian
Chardonnay with good fruit and thirst quenching acidity. ($8-10)

Leasingham Dry Riesling-A floral, dry Riesling from Australia with pretty apple and
mineral undertones. ($12-14)

Zind Humbrecht H.T. Muscat-Wow! What a wine! Gobs of rich, intensely concentrated
fruit, glycerin, complexity and perfectly cleansing acidity. A great wine for any occasion, especially the heat! ($27-30)