Longridge ‘The Emily’ 2016

Many sparkling wines combine pinot noir and chardonnay. Much less common are table wines blending these two grapes. But if Longridge’s “The Emily” 2016 ($16) is any indication, there should be a boatload more of such endeavors. Because of the pinot, the wine has a touch of pink, described by winemaker Jasper Raats as “oel de perdix” (eye of the partridge). What this South African beauty mostly has is deliciousness. And smooth but firm texture. And harmony between the tropical and citrus fruits and the acids. And a near-endless finish. It’s the rare (mostly) white that can play well with pizza and burgers, but it also would be compatible with grilled chicken or summer veggies.

Available at Henry & Son, Solo Vino, North Loop, Kowalski’s (Oak Park Heights and Excelsior), the Wine Shop, Stinson and others.

Bill Ward