Consumer Reports puts Pinot Grigio, Riesling wines to the test

Looking for a perfect wine for a summer party? Consumer Reports just tested two kinds: Pinot Grigio and Riesling.

Pinot Grigio is a fairly simple varietal. It’s generally dry, leaner and lighter than other white wines. Pinot Grigio is good with light pasta dishes or grilled fish. Rieslings, on the other hand, go with a wider array of food.

Drier Rieslings are quite versatile and go well with pork, veal, scallops, and milder cheeses. And a sweeter Riesling can be a good dessert wine.

When Consumer Reports’ tests were done, there were plenty of very good, inexpensive wines to choose from. The 2010 Hogue Late Harvest topped the Riesling ratings at $10 a bottle.

And for a Pinot Grigio, try the 2010 Black Swan Vineyards. It rated very good, and it costs a “light” $8 a bottle.