13 Whites From Italy, Spain, And Portugal

Labor Day is the dividing line between the heights of summer and the downhill slide into autumn and winter, so now — while the weather is still blazing hot — is the time to enjoy these cool whites. They come from some of the best-known regions of Italy (Alto Adige, Soave, Prosecco, and southern Sicily), Spain (Rías Baixas), and Portugal (Minho). Even the basic ones are easy-drinking, refreshing, and affordable.

Astoria "Galiè" Prosecco Extra Dry NV ($10). Good richness with pleasant, firm texture.

Aveleda Vinho Verde Alvarinho 2015 ($12). From one of the Minho region's best-known estates, this wine has clean green flavors of lime and gooseberries with good structure and medium weight.

Fattori Runcaris Soave Classico 2014 ($12). Lively but rich with good minerality and a blend of tart and ripe fruit flavors.

Quinta da Lixa Vinho Verde 2015 ($10). A blend of alvarinho, loureiro, and trajadura grapes, this one has lots of spritz and intense green-fruit flavors, especially of lime, and is quite refreshing

La Val Rías Baixas Albariño 2014 ($14). Some orange and other citrus flavors emerge from a pleasant savory background.

Tommasi Tenuta Filodora Prosecco NV ($16). Nice powdery, floral flavors, good balance and richness; quite pleasant.   

Castello Soave Classico 2013 ($17). Gamey nose and good richness of flavor; a pleasant fruit/savory mix.

Tomada de Castro Val do Salnés Rías Baixas Albariño 2014 ($17). Pleasant floral aromas, good white peach and apple flavors, and a balancing touch of earthiness.

Donnafugata "Sur Sur" Sicilia Bianco-Grillo 2015 ($20). A little gamey, a little grassy, juicy, with medium body.  

Kettmeir Alto Adige Müller-Thurgau 2014 ($20). A basic but well-constructed table wine from a lesser-known variety; full-bodied, yet with a crisp finish.

Kettmeir Alto Adige Pinot Grigio 2014 ($20). A pleasant, simple, carafe-style wine for easy drinking.

Lagar de Bouza Rías Baixas Albariño 2015 ($20). Good acidity but not overly lean, with a broad apple start and a fresh, green finish.

Peter Zemmer Alto Adige Pinot Grigio 2015 ($20). Very fresh on the palate with lively, green-fruit flavors and good texture.