Having just returned from Napa and Sonoma California and finishing the trip with a few days in San Francisco, the drive gave my wife and me a reality check of summer weather in the west.  Departing the (yes) chilly and breezy San Francisco 65 degree air was just a distant memory as we slid through the 116 degrees in Blythe on our way to the “cooler” 108 in Tucson.  The trip, however, yielded some wonderful wine tours and tasting, many of which we will profile for you over the next couple of weeks in this segment.  As well, stay tuned for our video series with several of the vintners who provided some valuable educational notes on their wine production process.  We think you’ll find it fascinating.

The first wine derives from one of the most food friendly grapes in existence, Riesling.  The wine is low alcohol (usually 7-9%) displays everything from steely dry, citrus and floral aromas (Australia) to the very sweet (late harvest), ideal for pairing with desserts (Germany and Alsace).  These are must haves for the hot Tucson summer.