Wine of the Week: Chasselas for a 102° Day

Enjoy straight from the fridge and you might catch a glimpse of a glittering lake

2021 Les Vignes de Paradis ‘Un Matin Face Au Lac’ - $60

Pair with: an assortment of cold mezze, or whatever you can extend from an apéro into a no-cook dinner

New Yorkers love to complain, so it’s likely you’ve heard how unrelentingly hot it’s been here during these early summer weeks. Our suffering always feels so singular and epic that we ignore that the rest of the Northeast has probably experienced much of the same thing, but in our defense, when you’re walking down Fifth Avenue in 102 degree heat and the tepid breeze feels like someone just cracked open an oven door, you’ll also feel like it can’t get any worse than here.

Dehydration is clearly inadvisable under such circumstances, but if you’re ready to move onto wine after gulping down a generous amount of water, you’ll appreciate a lower alcohol option such as the “Un Matin Face Au Lac” Chasselas from Les Vignes de Paradis–11.5% ABV. From the Savoie side of Lac Léman (Lake Geneva), the wine reflects the crystalline beauty of its Alpine vista, with gently inviting white flowers on the nose and a refreshing yet finely etched interplay of citrus and mineral flavors.

Unlike many high-quality white wines, it’s really at its best straight from the fridge, so feel free to drink this one properly chilled and imagine that you too are overlooking a glittering cool lake.

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