WINE & SPIRITS WITH PANACHE
Sips for Summer Suppers
Stay cool with a lively cocktail
and some versatile wines. 

Kick off those sultry summer evenings in style with a sparky cocktail using Belvedere Pomarancza, Belvedere's orange-flavored entry. While most flavored vodkas are quite artificial, this one is made from real fruit, macerated in France by artisanal liquoriste Elie-Arnaud Denoix. Denoix has concocted an extremely sophisticated vodka with an exotic high note of orange blossom water. Add a hefty spritz of soda water to the well-chilled Pomarancza or, even better, top off with some decent champagne. Don't be concerned when the drink clouds over. It's a result from the citrus oils and all part of its natural charm.

On to serious wine matters: Lemenicier Cornas, 2000 ($25), is a Northern Rhone wine, made from the syrah grape. It is a gentler, kinder version of an oft-ferocious wine, beautifully elegant, with touches of fennel and mouthwatering blackberry with hills of wild herbs. For an absolutely delicious pairing that cuts across the grain, try it with herbaceous, creamless chowder based on mild fishes such as bass, cod and monk.

A burgundy that truly satisfies is the 2001 Michael Sarrazin Givry, Champs Lalot ($28), from the overlooked Côte Challonaise. It has an intense rose petal-like fruit with lots of sturdy tannins. If it's hot, put this wine on ice for a bit of a chill. You can pair this wine as well as the Cornas with anything grilled, including wild salmon or peppered tuna.

When the temperature soars to a sweltering 90 degrees F, a white wine might be just the ticket. I particularly like the Montlouis region of the Loire, where the grape chenin blanc sings. The François Chidiane, Les Choisilles, 2001 ($17), is a delicious blend of tart, apple-like fruit in a compelling mineral-laden wine. Exceptionally versatile, it can go with grilled vegetables and almost any variety of salad.