406470 Wed May 30 11:03:03 -0700 2007 2 34 Wine 0 2613758 2005 Bodegas Naia - from mega importer Jorge Ordonez, this is a crisp and refreshing verdedo from the acclaimed Rueda region. Kind of like a savignon blanc, but it lacks the astringent, steely acidity and instead deftly combines minerality and citrus/apple with a thirst quenching finsih. I found it in my local Los Angeles wine store for $10.99 2005 Batasiolo Gavi - from Piedmonte, this cortese is another perfect summer sipper. Actually, I thought it was similar to the Naia in terms of taste, but the nose on this is quite subdued and mellow. Found it randomly while grocery shopping at Gelsons; on sale for $10.99 Wed May 30 11:03:03 -0700 2007 74451 vinosnob 1 2613912 Couldn't agree more on the Naia--it's a great wine, and perfect for summer sipping. I'm liking albarinos these days for the same reason. They're not so "green" as a sauvignon blanc, and the orchard fruits and the acidity seem in better balance as a result. Wed May 30 11:35:15 -0700 2007 2613758 54002 Dr. Debs 2 2617987 Indeed, albarinos can be very nice as well. They tend to run closer to $20; are there producers you especially like? Thu May 31 13:13:33 -0700 2007 2613912 74451 vinosnob