The summer is finally here! Summer is here! Summer calls for a wine that is crisp, light and refreshing. It’s time to put down the heavy reds and go for lighter wines that will cool you off and complement sunshine and lighter food. WineDeals.com has compiled a list of 10 great summer wines that will suit any palate or occasion.
1. La Marca Prosecco NV
Style: Sparkling White Prosecco
Bubbles are the perfect summer drink. Nothing says celebrations (or a nice Tuesday afternoon!) like them! La Marca, a classic Italian Prosecco, is loved for its vibrant effervescence. Expect notes of crisp green apple, juicy peach and floral notes like honeysuckle. The relatively light body, crisp finish and easy drinking make this a great choice for a hot day. It’s perfect as an aperitif or with appetizers. Or, you can use it to make sparkling cocktails, like the Aperol Spritz.
2. Kim Crawford Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Style: White (Sauvignon Blanc).
Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc is the benchmark Sauvignon Blanc in the world. It comes from New Zealand’s Marlborough region. The wine is bursting with zesty, intense aromas and flavours. Think vibrant grapefruit and passionfruit and characteristic grassy and herbaceous undertones. The zippy acidity is incredibly refreshing, and it pairs well with summer salads like those made with goat cheese or grilled fish.
3. Banfi Le Rime Pinot Grigio
Style: White (Pinot Grigio).
It’s a crowd-pleaser. This Italian Pinot Grigio from Tuscany will not disappoint. It is typically dry, crisp and light in body, with delicate notes of green apple and pear. The simple, clean taste makes it a great choice to enjoy on the patio with chicken, seafood pasta or summer salads.
4. Peyrassol Les Commandeurs Rose
Style: Rose Blend
What makes it perfect for summer? Can summer begin without roses? This wine from the historic Peyrassol Estate embodies classic Provence: pale salmon-pink, elegantly dry and bursting with refreshing acidity. You’ll find subtle flavours and aromas of red berries, such as strawberry and raspberry, along with citrus zest and a floral note. This is sophisticated enough to serve at a dinner party yet refreshing enough for poolside drinking. It pairs beautifully with Mediterranean cuisine, light seafood and grilled vegetables.
5. Relax Riesling
Style: White (Riesling-Off-Dry).
Riesling is perfect for the summer! Riesling is a popular German wine that offers a delicious balance between mild sweetness and vibrant acids, making it refreshing. You can expect notes of green apple, peach and lime. Mosel wines are known for their mineralisation. The slight sweetness of this wine makes it an excellent match with slightly spicy foods (think Thai and Vietnamese takeout) or to quench your thirst.
6. Saracco Moscato d’Asti
Style: Sparkling White (Moscato d’Asti – Sweet)
Moscato d’Asti, a wine that is perfect for the summer, is a dream come true for those who enjoy a more aromatic, sweeter experience. Saracco, a top producer in Italy’s Piedmont area, is a wine that hails from the region. The wine is light sparkling (frizzante), low in alcohol and full of fragrant notes such as ripe peach and apricot. It also has a hint of honey. This wine is essentially dessert in a bottle, but it also works well as an aperitif and can be paired with Asian food or fresh fruit tarts.
7. Riunite Lambrusco NV
Style: Sparkling Red
It’s a fun, fizzy and unpretentious summer classic! Lambrusco, a light sparkling red wine produced in Italy’s Emilia Romagna region, is an Italian classic. Riunite, the name most associated with this slightly sweet style of wine that has gained worldwide popularity, is probably the most well-known. Enjoy juicy cherry and berry flavours, a lovely sweetness and refreshing bubbles. It’s the perfect, simple accompaniment to summer meals like pizza, burgers, and tangy BBQ.
8. Campo Viejo Cava Brut Rose NV
Style: Sparkling Rose (Cava – Dry)
It’s the perfect summer wine because it combines the dryness, toasty notes and refreshing taste of Cava (Spain’s traditional sparkling wine method) with the red berry fruitiness that rose offers. You can expect bright flavours like strawberry, cherry and citrus with a hint. The wine has fine bubbles, crisp acidity and persistent bubbles. This is a great value Champagne Rose that pairs well with tapas and grilled chicken. It also goes well with summer salads or even enjoyed alone on a sunny day.
9. Aveleda Fonte Vinho Verde
Style: White (Vinho Verde – Dry & Spritzy)
This style, which hails from Portugal’s Vinho Verde (meaning “green wines” to indicate its youth), is perfect for the summer. Aveleda, a widely available and trusted producer, is one of the most popular. These wines tend to be light in body, low in alcohol and high in acidity. They also have a slight spritz (not bubbles, but a tingle). You can expect vibrant notes of lime zest and green apple. There may also be a hint of melon. This is a thirst-quenching drink that goes well with shellfish, grilled fish and light salads.
10. Barefoot Peach Fruitscato N.V.
Style: Fruit Wine (Moscato Blend)
Why it is perfect for summer: Summer calls for something fun, fruity and sweet, without pretence. Barefoot’s Fruitscato is the best in this category. This peach-infused version delivers what it promises – bold, sweet and juicy peach flavours layered on top of a sweet Moscato. This is best served cold. Use it to make a punch or serve it with fruit desserts. Easy-drinking and casual enjoyment is the key.