Summer is the time to sit back, relax and give those hard-working brain cells some well-deserved "R & R." We want to do our part in helping your brain to "turn off" by offering you a selection of what we call "no brainer" wines. What do we mean by "no brainer" wines? Well, they are wines that are so good, so easy to enjoy, all you need to do is open the bottle, pour yourself a glass and sit back and enjoy them with lunch, dinner, or just on their own.

Summer is the season to enjoy fresh veggies, grilled foods, sunshine and time spent outdoors - the components that make June dinners so special. To compliment these meals and the ambiance, look for bright, clean, refreshing wines as the perfect accompaniments. Consider Pinot Gris, a great match for June dining; Pinot Gris is one type of "no brainer" wine. It's the same grape variety as Pinot Grigio, the much wider known wine varietal, but is usually produced in a richer, more fruity and flavorful style, making it oh, so easy to enjoy with just about anything, from oysters to grilled tuna. Many times there is no oak used in the production of Pinot Gris which allows the fruit to shine through giving the wine a smooth texture.

In Europe, the best Pinot Gris usually comes from the Alsace region in northeastern France. Sometimes, however, the better Pinot Gris wines from this region are a richer, full-bodied style and you may want to serve these with a spicier dish. In the United States, Pinot Gris really thrives in Oregon where you usually have subtle peach and tropical fruit aromas as the greeting to the glass of wine. The versatility of Pinot Gris makes them appealing to a wide range of white and red wine fans.

Outside of the US, you will find a nice selection of Pinot Gris produced in many parts of New Zealand, with a large amount produced in the Central Otago region of the South Island. This region happens to be the southernmost vineyard site on the planet, and being so far from the equator, the weather is cooler, and the Pinot Gris produced there is lighter and brighter than that of its Oregon counterpart. Whichever style you decide to try, just make sure you've got a couple of extra bottles on hand; you and your friends are going to enjoy this wine and your friends will thank you for showing them alternatives!

Pinot Gris is very closely related to Pinot Noir, it lacks the gene that causes Pinot Noir to have a deep red skin. The "Gris" in Pinot Gris refers to the medium dark gray color of the grapes at harvest. Another grape related to Pinot Noir in many ways is the Gamay. The wines produced from Gamay smell of fresh cherries and strawberries, and have a lovely ruby color. The most famous region in the world for Gamay is Beaujolais, another "no brainer" wine choice.

There is so much more to Beaujolais than the Nouveau that comes out each November. This sub-region of Burgundy produces a wide range of styles, from the "buy now and drink soon" Nouveau style of wine to the very serious, age-worthy wines. You can find wines labeled as Beaujolais, Beaujolais Village, or wines that are produced from grapes grown in one of the ten "crus", or superior appellations within Beaujolais. Look for names such as Morgon, Moulin-à-Vent, or Saint Amour (in addition to other locations prominently displayed on the label). Come into your local Vino 100 and talk to us about the styles of Beaujolais that are available. A slightly chilled bottle of Beaujolais is a delicious, versatile summer red, another "no brainer" crowd pleasing selection. Smooth and fruity with nice texture and flavors, it is a great match with any summer dining selections. Beaujolais is delicious, works with nearly all the same foods as Pinot Noir, but some find it even more refreshing.

We invite you to visit a Vino 100 store to discuss these and other great "no brainer" wines which we know will get your summer off to a wonderful start! We'll match your preferences in flavor and body to wines we're sure you'll enjoy. We're here to work with you and to be your guide into the world of wines, to show you new and exciting wines. Stop by to try our newest discoveries, and let us introduce you to the world of "no brainer" wines!

Here's a "no brainer" recipe to go with the wines mentioned above, as well as with a lot of other great selections your Vino 100 store associate will be happy to show you. It's easy to make, and just as easy to enjoy!

Grilled salmon with lime butter sauce
Gourmet | July 2006

Just a sprinkle of zest and a dab of lime butter sauce beautifully highlight the flavor of grilled salmon.

Makes 6 servings

Ingredients
6 (6-oz) pieces center-cut salmon fillet (about 1 inch thick) with skin
1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated fresh lime zest
6 tablespoons lime butter sauce

Preparation
Prepare grill for cooking over medium-hot charcoal (moderate heat for gas).

Season salmon all over with salt and pepper, then grill, flesh sides down, on lightly oiled grill rack (covered only if using gas grill) 4 minutes. Turn fillets over and grill (covered only if using gas grill) until just cooked through, 4 to 6 minutes more. Sprinkle fillets with zest and top each with 1 tablespoon lime butter sauce.

Cooks' Note: If you aren't able to grill outdoors, salmon can be cooked in a hot lightly oiled well-seasoned large (2-burner) ridged grill pan over moderately high heat.

Lime butter sauce
Gourmet | July 2006

It takes only 5 minutes to make this fantastic sauce. Once you see how versatile it is - it works perfectly with the grilled salmon and the grilled corn - you'll want to make it for a whole host of your summer favorites.

Makes about 3/4 cup.

Ingredients
1 large garlic clove, chopped
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted

Preparation
Purée garlic with lime juice, salt, and pepper in a blender until smooth. With motor running, add melted butter and blend until emulsified, about 30 seconds.

Cooks' Note: Lime butter sauce can be made 1 day ahead and chilled, covered. Stir before using.