What better time than August 4 – National White Wine Day – than to pop open a bottle of your favorite white varietal, or perhaps try something new to you? Here are some favorites, all grown and made in Arizona.
Keeling Schaefer 2020 Puzzle Vine Picpoul Blanc
This light, bright poolside pal is a great example of how this Southern Arizona vineyard is working to expose Arizonans to Rhône varieties of wine. Beloved in Southwest France, Picpoul wine grapes are growing in popularity across the Southwest and West coasts of the United States given its ample tropical notes, especially pineapple. $15
Carlson Creek 2019 White Blend
With its family-owned vineyards across Southern Arizona and tasting rooms in Willcox, Scottsdale and Cottonwood, Carlson Creek is one of the most successful wine operations in the state. A seemingly wild combination of Chardonnay and Muscat, the blend works thanks to flavors ranging from lilac to jasmine and quince to almonds on the palate. $22
Dos Cabezas WineWorks 2021 White
Ever add salt to a melon? It gives the fruit a punch of flavor and is absolutely a tasting note in this radical Arizona white wine. There are also notes of citrus and even a touch of peach in this combination of both well-known grapes in Viognier, Malvasia, Albariño and Muscat and little-known gems in Piquepoul Blanc, Petit Manseng and just a hint of Kerner. Bonus: there is a doggy on the bottle’s label! $22
Page Springs 2020 Colibri Roussanne
Just as Keeling Schaefer is showcasing Rhône varietals through Picpoul, Page Springs is showcasing Rhône through Roussanne. A northern Rhône favorite for its floral aromas and flavors of peaches, pears and honey, Page Springs’ twist definitely has the pear but also some fantastic baking spices and citrus. $39
Aridus 2016 Fumé Blanc Barrel Select
Hello, marshmallow! Yes, there are ever-so-slight (but there!) notes of marshmallow in this aromatic, acidic selection in this Arizona white wine. Expect layers of flavor, ranging from lime and coconut to ripe green apple and minerals, in every delicious sip. $48
This luscious, balanced Chardonnay is the result of southern Arizona winemaker Brighid McLoughlin’s decade in the industry. There is a perfect level of acidity here, but make no mistake, this is a Chard of the highest order. $24
Chateau Tumbleweed 2021 Miss Sandy Jones
This Clarkdale hotspot knows a thing or two about blending wine. The vineyard is the result of a coupling between two husband-and-wife teams who have worked in Arizona wine for years. This white wine winner starts with an extraordinary Chardonnay from two vineyards as its base. Sauvignon Blanc is then added to provide some acid, and then little-known Ugni Blanc grape, also known as Trebbiano, completes the makeup, adding a nutty spice and touch of fruit flavor. $26
LDV Winery 2018 Sky Island Viognier
This Cochise County vineyard, which has a tasting room in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, specializes in 100 percent estate-grown wines. The 2018 Viognier is aged in stainless steel to best bring out the minerality of the varietal. There are also exceptional notes on citrus in every bright, crisp sip. of this Arizona white wine. $29
Alcantara Vineyard 2020 Mesa Blanca
A complex marriage of equal parts Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc, this white blend from northern Arizona’s Verde Valley AVA comes out of the gate strong with fresh-cut grass and red apple on the nose. The flavors soften to the taste, thanks in great part to the ripe strawberry notes that jump to the forefront. $32.95
Pillsbury Wine Inappropriate 2020
The cheeky name of this ultra-aromatic white blend is a nod to owner and winemaker Sam Pillsbury (by his own admission). Expect a blast of orange and peach jams with this San Francisco Chronicle Bronze Medal winner, which is made from Pillsbury’s popular Symphony white and Malvasia. $35