I’m always on the lookout for something other than Chardonnay or even Sauvignon Blanc for a warm weather white. Recently I tasted the 2010 “Maria Andrea” from Bodega Eduardo Pena in Galicia. Brought in by the excellent local importer Antalva Imports in Los Angeles, Maria Andrea is an unusual blend ― 40 percent Trexiadura (watch for that one on your next wine test) with the remainder equal parts Albarino, Godello and Loureira.

The wine sees no oak, so the fruit comes through strong and clear. Dry and crisp, it carries notes of lemon and flowers, and the taste of almonds and honey lingers after the last sip.

With a dish of olives and almonds, it makes a delightful aperitif. Try it with crostini topped with gravlax or sardines. It also works well with seafood salads, pasta dishes and summery vegetable casseroles.

● Region: Ribeiro D.O., Galicia, Spain

● Price: About $18

● Style: Dry and crisp

● What it goes with: Seafood salads, pasta dishes, mezze and vegetable casseroles.

By S. Irene Virbila

(Los Angeles Times)

(MCT Information Services)