EAST COAST PALATE

A crisp bright white wine is perfect for hot summer days, or for quenching your thirst between points in an intense game of ping-pong.  Ideal wine: the 2008 Picpoul de Pinet from the Coteaux du Languedoc, made at La Cave Les Costières de Pomerols.  This grape reminds me of Albariño a bit, zesty citrus notes, some tropical fruit aromas, too.  This grape is not seen often on the shelves, but at $9 it's a steal.  I want to buy a case just to have around as a solid fallback white.  I give it 88 points.