Savor the Season: Discovering the Best Summer Wines

• Posted on 22 May 2024
• By Alex Tenenbaum
• 0

Savor the Season: Discovering the Best Summer Wines

Savor the Season: Discovering the Best Summer Wines

Summer is a season of sun-drenched days, warm evenings, and relaxed gatherings with friends and family. As we relish in the laid-back vibe and the bountiful produce of the season, our choice of wine becomes a crucial companion to our meals and moments. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a barbecue, or enjoying a picnic in the park, the perfect summer wine can elevate your experience. Here’s a guide to some of the best wines to sip this summer, ensuring your glass is always half-full with the essence of the season.

1. Rosé: The Quintessential Summer Wine

No summer wine list would be complete without the beloved rosé. With its beautiful blush hue and refreshing taste, rosé is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of summer dishes. Provence rosé, in particular, is renowned for its dry, crisp, and fruity profile, making it an excellent choice for warm weather. Look for notes of strawberry, watermelon, and citrus, which make this wine a delightful companion to salads, seafood, and light appetizers.

WRW Pick: Pascal et Nicolas Reverdy Terre de Maimbry Sancerre Rose Loire

2. Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp and Refreshing

Sauvignon Blanc is a go-to summer white wine, celebrated for its bright acidity and refreshing flavors. Originating from regions like Marlborough in New Zealand and the Loire Valley in France, this wine offers vibrant notes of lime, green apple, and passion fruit. Its zesty character makes it an ideal match for goat cheese, grilled vegetables, and fresh seafood.

WRW Pick: Mount Fishtail Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand

3. Pinot Grigio: Light and Easy-Drinking

For those who prefer a lighter white wine, Pinot Grigio (or Pinot Gris) is an excellent choice. This wine is loved for its clean, straightforward profile and subtle fruit flavors. Italian Pinot Grigio tends to be light and crisp, with notes of green apple, pear, and citrus. It’s an effortlessly enjoyable wine that pairs well with light pastas, chicken dishes, and antipasto platters.

WRW Pick: Filadonna Pinot Grigio DOC Delle Venezie Italy

4. Albariño: A Hidden Gem

Hailing from the Rías Baixas region in Spain, Albariño is a white wine that deserves more attention. Known for its high acidity and aromatic profile, Albariño presents a medley of peach, apricot, and citrus flavors with a hint of salinity. Its bright and zesty character makes it a fantastic match for shellfish, particularly oysters and clams.

WRW Pick: Gundian Albarino Rias Baixas Spain KYS

5. Sparkling Wine: Celebrate the Season

Summer is a time for celebration, and what better way to toast to the season than with a glass of sparkling wine? Whether it’s Champagne, Prosecco, or Cava, sparkling wines bring an element of festivity to any gathering. Their effervescence and lively acidity make them incredibly food-friendly, pairing well with everything from light snacks to fried foods.

WRW Pick: La Montina Villa Bella Franciacorta Saten Brut Italy

6. Rosé Sparkling Wine: The Best of Both Worlds

For those who can’t decide between still rosé and sparkling wine, rosé sparkling wine offers the best of both worlds. Combining the refreshing qualities of rosé with the celebratory bubbles of sparkling wine, this category is perfect for summer brunches, parties, and romantic sunsets.

WRW Pick: Viva La Vida Treasure Hunter Brut CAVA Rose

7. Light Reds: Chillable and Flavorful

While white wines and rosés dominate the summer wine scene, certain light red wines can also be enjoyed during the warmer months. Varieties like Pinot Noir, Gamay, and Beaujolais are light-bodied enough to be slightly chilled, enhancing their fruity and floral notes. These wines are great for those who prefer red wine but want something more refreshing in the heat.

WRW Pick: Albert Bichot Ch De Jarnioux Beaujolais 2021 Beaujolais, France

Conclusion

Summer is a time to explore and enjoy a variety of wines that complement the season’s activities and flavors. Whether you prefer a crisp white, a refreshing rosé, or a celebratory sparkling wine, there’s a perfect summer wine waiting for you. So, gather your friends, prepare your favorite summer dishes, and raise a glass to the joy and relaxation that summer brings. Cheers!