Hey, wine lovers! Summer is here, meaning it's time to find the perfect wine to keep you cool and refreshed. Whether you're lounging by the pool, having a barbecue, or just chilling in your backyard, I've got a list of ten fantastic wine varietals that will make your summer sizzle the best way possible. A bonus is that all of these types of wine are extremely affordable. You can get a great bottle for $20.00. Grab a glass, and dive in on these 10 Wine Varietals!
Sauvignon Blanc
Let's start with a classic. Sauvignon Blanc is the ultimate summer white wine. It's crisp, zesty, and bursting with citrus, green apple, and tropical fruit flavors. Perfect for sipping on a hot day, it pairs wonderfully with light salads, seafood, and goat cheese.
Wines To Try: Markham Napa Valley 2022 Sauvignon Blanc; Chalk Hill Estate Sauvignon Blanc
Rosé
Rosé all day, anyone? This pink-hued beauty is a summer staple. Light, refreshing, and versatile, Rosé can range from dry to sweet, with strawberries, watermelon, and rose petals flavors, depending on what grape was used to create the wine. Rosé made from Grenache tastes different from Rosé made from Pinot Noir grapes. You can't beat Rose wines from Provence (France) for my money. Delicious and affordable, they make the type of Rose that other winemakers only dream about. Serve it chilled and enjoy it with everything from grilled veggies to charcuterie boards.
Wines To Try: Olema 2022 Côte de Provence Rosé; Luc Piret Classique Rosé 2022-this wine is from a more southern French region, Languedoc, and is made from Syrah. It will be a bit heartier than the other Rosés and can be enjoyed with meat dishes.
Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris
Pinot Grigio/Gris is your go-to wine for those scorching afternoons. It's light-bodied, with bright acidity and pear, apple, and lemon flavors with an interesting note of bitter almonds. (I'm showing both wines because they are made from the same grape – the difference is country of origin) This Italian favorite is incredibly easy to drink and pairs well with various dishes, from light pasta to seafood.
Wines to Try: Santa Margherita Pinto Grigio 2022 Valdadige; A to Z Wineworks 2022 A to Z Oregon Pinot Gris
Prosecco
When you think summer, think bubbles! Prosecco is a sparkling wine that's fun, fizzy, and full of life. Its fruity and floral notes make it an ideal choice for brunches, celebrations, or adding a little sparkle to your day. Something to consider when buying that bottle of Prosecco. The place where the wine was made matters. Most quality Prosecco wine will show Prosecco D.O.C. on their bottle – this is an indicator of quality. The best Prosecco will show Prosecco D.O.C.G. on the bottle, indicating that the wine is from the best area for Prosecco.
Wines to Try: Borrasca Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G; LaMarca Prosecco D.O.C Sparkling Wine
Albariño
Albariño is a Spanish white wine that's made for summer. Highly aromatic and expressive, it is a crisp, acidic wine bursting with flavors of lemon, green apple, and melon. It pairs wonderfully with shellfish, making it a fantastic choice for those summer seafood feasts.
Wines to Try: Bagôa do Miño Albarino Rias Baixas; Paco & Lola Rias Baixas DO
Riesling
Riesling is another hot-weather wine. This versatile wine can range from dry to sweet, with peach, apricot, and citrus flavors. It's perfect for sipping alone or alongside spicy dishes to balance the heat. For more information about Riesling, see my other blog.
Wines to Try: Firestone Riesling Santa Barbara 2019; Loosen Dr. L 2020 Riesling Dry
Vinho Verde
Vinho Verde, which means "green wine" in Portuguese, is youthful and slightly effervescent. It's light, crisp, and super refreshing, with lime and green apple notes. This wine is perfect for those unbearably hot days when you need something thirst-quenching.
Wines to Try: Gazela Vino Verde 2023; Blanka Vinho Verde 2022
Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc is a versatile white wine that's both refreshing and complex. It can be dry, off-dry, or even sparkling, with apple, pear, and honey flavors. It's a great choice for picnics, as it pairs well with various foods, from salads to chicken dishes. I think the best Chenin Blanc comes from France, but Washington and New York State's Fingerling Lake area produce admirable wines.
Wines to Try: Blaauwklippen 1682 2022 Chenin Blanc 2022 Stellenbosch; Famille Bougrier Chenin Blanc Vouvray Grand Reserve Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée Protégée.
Vermentino
Vermentino is an Italian white wine that's perfect for summer. It hits all the right notes: refreshing with aromas of citrus fruits, herbs, bay leaf, almonds, and floral notes, followed by flavors of lemon, lime, green apple, pear, melon, and even tropical fruits, as well as a distinct mineral edge. The best Vermentino is from Sardegna, Italy, but is difficult to find in the U.S. This wine is ideal for sipping on a sunny day and pairs well with Mediterranean dishes like seafood and pesto pasta.
Wines to Try: Vento Vermentino Toscana Indicazione Geografica Tipica,
Gamay
Reds can surprisingly add the right note on a hot summer day. Gamay is a light-bodied red wine perfect for summer (D.N.A. proves it's a close relative of Pinot Noir). It's fruity and refreshing, with flavors of cherry, raspberry, and a hint of spice. Serve it slightly chilled, and it's a great match for grilled meats and barbecue.
Wines to Try: Belles Grives 2020 Morgon Red Beaujolais Wine; Louis Jadot 2022 Beaujolais-Village
10 Wine Varietals
So there you have it, folks! Ten wine varietals to keep you cool and refreshed all summer long. Whether you prefer white, red, or sparkling, there's something on this list for everyone. So grab a bottle, pour yourself a glass, and cheers to a fantastic summer! 🥂
Cheers!
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