August has arrived, bringing with it one of the hottest summers on record. It’s the season when a crisp, chilled white wine becomes an absolute necessity. After a recent summer getaway, I discovered three white wines that are not only budget-friendly but also perfect for this sizzling season. Allow me to introduce you to Mucho Más Blanco, Mr. Mick Riesling, and De Martino Estate Reserva Sauvignon Blanc.
Table of Contents
Mucho Más Blanco
In July, I had the pleasure of visiting Jeju Island, staying for two days at the luxurious resort, Hillius, located on the island’s eastern coast near Seopjikoji. Designed by the renowned Swiss architect Mario Botta, this resort features over 20 private villa houses, each offering exceptional privacy and surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds with direct access to the beach.
While exploring the area, I stumbled upon a charming wine bar called “Temperature of Taste,” discovered through a quick Google search. This cozy spot offers a wide selection of wines and features dishes prepared by the owner himself. Not only can you purchase wines to go, but you can also enjoy a delightful meal paired with their curated wine selections right there.
While waiting for my takeout order of pappardelle ragu and a charcuterie cheese plate, I took the opportunity to sample the house wine recommended by the owner. Among the five bottles I purchased to enjoy over my four-day stay, the first one I opened at the resort was the Mucho Más Blanco.
Mucho Más is a Spanish wine brand known for its modern, fresh style and exceptional value. The wine is primarily a blend of Airén and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Airén, a widely cultivated white grape in Spain, brings fresh fruit aromas and a smooth taste, while Sauvignon Blanc adds vibrant acidity and citrus notes.
Upon pouring, Mucho Más Blanco greets you with an impressive bouquet of tropical fruits, citrus, apple, pear, and floral notes. On the palate, it’s fruit-forward with a lively acidity and a clean finish that leaves you feeling refreshed. This wine is light-bodied and perfectly suited for casual enjoyment, particularly during the summer months. Without a vintage indicated, it’s clear this wine is meant to be consumed young, capturing its freshness at its peak.
Tim Adams Mr. Mick Riesling
A couple of days later, I moved to the west side of Jeju, where I stayed at the Hotel Shilla. Before checking in, I enjoyed a lunch buffet at the Grand Josun Hotel next door, where I had a glass of Mr. Mick Riesling— the wine grape I had previously encountered while exploring Australian varietals on another blog.
Tim Adams, one of Australia’s renowned winemakers, crafted this wine in the Clare Valley region. The “Mr. Mick” label pays tribute to his mentor, Mick Knappstein, a legendary figure in Australian winemaking.
This wine is made from 100% Riesling grapes, a variety that Clare Valley is particularly famous for. When it comes to Riesling, Clare Valley is the region to remember. Its relatively mild climate compared to surrounding areas makes it one of the best places in the world for growing this grape. The region’s Rieslings are known for their intense acidity and vibrant fruit flavors.
Mr. Mick Riesling bursts with lively aromas of lime, lemon, and green apple, along with subtle hints of peach. The wine also carries a fresh minerality with a touch of floral notes, leaving a bright and refreshing impression. On the palate, it’s rich yet delicate, with high acidity that ensures a crisp finish. This acidity not only makes the wine refreshing but also enhances its aging potential.
While this Riesling is delightful in its youth, it also has the potential to develop more complex flavors with aging—think honey and toast over five years or more. Tim Adams masterfully balances traditional winemaking techniques with modern innovations, aiming to express the unique qualities of the region in every bottle.
The Mr. Mick line offers exceptional quality at an accessible price, making it a great choice for those eager to experience the excellence of Australian Riesling.
De Martino Estate Reserva Sauvignon Blanc
My final wine recommendation comes from a stay at the Executive Lounge of the Hotel Shilla in Seoul. Although the lounge offered a wide variety of wines and spirits, the one that stood out as the most fitting for the summer was the De Martino Estate Reserva Sauvignon Blanc.
Produced by De Martino, a winery in Chile renowned for its sustainable practices and innovative approaches, this Sauvignon Blanc is crafted from grapes grown in the Maipo Valley and Casablanca Valley regions. These coastal areas benefit from a cool, maritime climate, ideal for producing grapes with intense flavors.
The De Martino Estate Reserva Sauvignon Blanc is characterized by its pronounced citrus aromas—lemon, lime, and grapefruit—complemented by tropical fruit notes like pineapple and passion fruit. These fruity elements are beautifully balanced by hints of herbs, fresh grass, and a distinctive minerality, creating a wine with complex and layered flavors.
With its high acidity, this Sauvignon Blanc delivers a crisp, refreshing mouthfeel that pairs wonderfully with a wide range of dishes. It’s the kind of wine that not only quenches your thirst but also enhances your appetite, making it a versatile companion for summer meals.
In conclusion, whether you’re relaxing on a sunny terrace or enjoying a meal with friends, these three white wines—Mucho Más Blanco, Mr. Mick Riesling, and De Martino Estate Reserva Sauvignon Blanc—offer the perfect balance of quality, flavor, and refreshment to make this summer a memorable one.