The Joys of Summer

OMG!

We bitch all Winter long about how cold it is. "It's the humidity that cuts right through you," we like to say as we slip  on the ice. When we thaw out a bit, we wonder where Spring went because we jump from 30-40 degree days one week to 80 degree days the next. Today it's damn near 100 degrees, 115 degree heat index with horrendous humidity, that YOU have to cut through. Stepping out of the air conditioning into heat like today is somewhat comparable to flying down a Slip-n-Slide right into a brick wall. Ahhh, the joys of Summer.

2009 Dr. Thanisch Riesling 

Even to a diehard spirits guy, if the day is so hot that a cocktail won't cool me down, I reach for a Riesling.


Without getting into too many confusing details about German wine labeling, I like Rieslings with a little bit of residual sugar. In most cases the cheat sheet is right on the label. Kabinett, Spatlese and Auslese would probably be the most common classifications of varietal ripeness found on wine shops shelves that don't necessarily specialize in Germanic wines. Generally speaking, Kabinett would be the driest, next would be Spatlese leaving Auslese to be the "sweetest"of the bunch. Look at the alcohol content. If you find one that has Spatlese or Auslese on the label, you might just find my hands wrapped around it.


Here are a few points why I love Riesling in the summer:


1. Ice Cold - There isn't anything else that compares to the pure refreshment. Just think of the kid in the picture above before he hits that brick wall. He looks likes he's beating the heat. 


2. Lower Alcohol Content - Any alcohol on a hot day can make you feel hotter. With Riesling you can actually have a glass or two without feeling uncomfortable, that is, if you enjoy it responsibly. You... sitting there at your computer. You know who I'm talking about.


3. Sweet Joy - I love sweet drinks in extreme heat. The residual sugar keeps my mouth watering. So. Ridiculously. Delicious.


4. On-The-Cheap - You can find some seriously good quality Rieslings for reasonable prices. A great range for some amazing wines is right around $15-$20.

"this guy"

In the end if you want my advice, the next time that you feel like "this guy", grab an ice cold bottle of German Riesling and join the club. Kick back, relax and get ready to chill out. Literally. 


P.S. I stole the slip-n-slide picture and the sweaty guy picture from the World Wide Intertubenetwebs if that wasn't already blatantly obvious.