As a bead of sweat runs down my cleavage, I reach for the best thirst-quenching tool at the pool: a cool, dewy plastic glass of white or rose wine. There's nothing like it to satisfy quivering, lusty lips longing for the refreshing taste of crisp, clean wine. As I guzzle, an errant stream trickles down my bronzed, steamy flesh, making its way to my navel. "Time for a white wine body shot," I dreamily declare while my eyes peruse the surroundings for a turgid young man. I spy a young, willing candidate to rescue a poor, helpless wino-girl…
Sigh … those trashy, poolside romance novels are searing my brain.
But the idea is sound. Especially at the pool, wine is truly an eager alternative to beer, even employing the same accoutrements: a cooler filled with ice, an opener and a couple of plastic cups.
At the pool, you don't drink heavy reds 'cause the red wine will make you sleepy, ruining a good time. There's an old European tale that white wine will stimulate your brain activity, but red will put you to sleep. Hmm.
Also, light whites and roses help quench the thirst you build up under the sweltering sun. You don't need a wine that requires thought or discussion, or one that distracts you from poolside activities like white wine body shots, "drink" Twister or strip poker.
Don't worry about using plastic cups (but avoid Styrofoam, unless you like the taste of Styrofoam). With quaffing and quenching wines, the cold liquid won't be around long enough to be swirled and swished in a regular glass anyway.
To maximize your outdoor summer experience, mix the following whites and roses with a little romance, two trembling lips, and loads of sunscreen, and you're in for sensual poolside bliss.
Erath 2000 Pinot Gris Yummy, wet-your-pants good. Slightly "off-dry" (geek speak for kinda sweet), this citrus-y white from Oregon has a veritable fruit salad of flavors going on: pineapple, peach and watermelon. Now that's a summer pool wine ($14).
Miner Family 2000 Sangiovese Rose Dry as a stiff bone, this rose aims to please the snobbiest of anti-blush fanatics. One of these days, Americans will realize as they have for centuries in France that roses are truly refreshing and worthy of attention ($11).
Folie a Deux 2000 Menage a Trois LaPetite Folie A blend of Chardonnay, Riesling and a little-known grape called Muscat, this slightly sweet chiller goes down easy. Definitely the best selection for body shots ($11).
Guigal 1999 Cote du Rhone Rose From the Rhone Valley in Southern France comes an excellent value in a dry French rose. Hints of strawberry and other juicy berries ($10).
Silverado 2000 Sauvignon Blanc To get the goody out of this wine, don't serve it ice cold. When it warms up enough to no longer have dew on the outside of the glass it's ready to go. Ultra dry, refreshing and sporting tropical flavors, this wine pairs well with the sun ($14).
Burgans 2000 Albarino Like a big wet kiss, the slightly fruity, crisp green apple flavors linger ever so slightly on the tongue after you swallow. Albariño is a deliciously acidic grape hailing from Spain, gaining in notoriety in recent years ($12).
Chateau Benoit 2000 White Riesling Like biting into a Red Delicious apple. Covers your palate with deep fruit, then finishes so clean it's like it was never there. This Oregon cutie might distract you from the pool ($15).
Contact the writers of Corkscrew at corkscrew@creativeloafing.com, 1310 E. Ninth Ave., Tampa, FL 33605, or call 1-800-341-LOAF (fax 813-248-9999).
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THE WINE LIST
E-mail information on events for The Wine List to julie@weeklyplanet.com or write to Corkscrew: 1310 E. Ninth Ave., Tampa, FL 33605.
Geyser Peak Showcase Taste Shiraz, Cabernet, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc from the Sonoma Valley winery. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thurs., April 25. Charlie's Wine Cellar, 533 S. Howard Ave., Tampa (next to Whaley's). $10. 813-250-1967.
Help Out the Centre for Women by attending a wine and cheese gala at Vintage Wine Cellars, 3629 Henderson Blvd., Tampa. World Wings International presents the third annual event, which features, of course, various wines and cheeses, plus hors d'oeuvres and door prizes. 7-9 p.m. Fri., May 3. $15. Reservations requested. Call Camille at 813-681-9217 or Mary Ellen at 727-867-3108.
Friday on Your Mind? Make that TGIF anticipation all the more sweet by looking forward to a fun wine tasting. On May 3, from 6 to 8 p.m., try the 1998 Seghesio Omaggio, a blend of Sangiovese, Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot at Grapevine at Westchase, 12125 W. Linebaugh Ave., Tampa. Canapes served. $4. 813-818-9463.
This article appears in Apr 24-30, 2002.
