The perfect temperature for whites...

As summer continues to roll along, we're in the season of "whites".  Summer is a great time to explore crisp, refreshing whites that have been neglected during the cool winter months (at least in the Midwest).  The question gets asked, "which whites are you drinking this summer?"  External temperature (believe it or not) is a perfect gauge to answer that question.  The warmer the weather, the less inclined you are to drink heavier whites, right?  I read an article recently in Food & Wine magazine illustrating this concept, but decided to put my own spin on it:

65 degrees - Full-bodied Chardonnay (most likely from California), or Viognier

1. Clos du Bois Chardonnay (Cali)
2. Cline Viognier (Cali)

70 degrees - Unoaked, lighter Chardonnay

1. Louis Jadot Macon Village Chardonnay (France)
2. Chandon Unoaked Chardonnay (Cali)

75 degrees - Sauvignon Blanc (Sancerre or California), US Riesling

1. Hannah Sauvignon Blanc (Cali)
2. Chateau St. Michelle Riesling (Washington State)

80 degrees - Sauvignon Blanc (Chile or New Zealand), or Prosecco

1. Santa Rita 120 Sauvignon Blanc (Chile)
2. Lunetta Prosecco (Italy)

85 degrees - Pinot Grigio (Northern Italy), low alcohol German Riesling

1. Cavit Pinot Grigio (Italy)
2. S.A. Prum Essence (Germany)

90 degrees - Vinho Verde

1. Twin Vines Vihno Verde (Portugal)
2. Aveleda Vinho Verde (Port)

95 degrees - BEER (too hot to be drinking wine!)

When the weather is extremely hot, wine becomes less enjoyable.  One of wine's worst enemies can be temperature.  Temperature increases the presence of alcohol (hence drinking lower alcohol Vinho Verde is refreshing).  Once the wine glass starts sweating profusely, it's time to start thinking about an alternative beverages.  Maybe a crisp Aperol Spritz on the rocks??