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Fortunately, there is enough variety of light wines that you can relish all summer long without feeling even slightly overbearing. From fruity whites to high-acid reds and elegant rosés, here are our top recommendations for the best summer wines to enjoy this season.
1. Riesling
Riesling is one of the most aromatic and amazingly refreshing summer wines available in both sweet and dry versions. It offers primary fruit aromas of apricot, pear, nectarine, lime, Meyer lemon and honey-crisp apple. The delectable wine is characterized by crisp acidity, similar to the levels of lemonade, and it pairs excellently-well with Thai food and other spicy cuisines.
2. Barbera
An extremely drinkable red wine from Italy, Barbera is known for its rustic-yet-generous character. Tannic, woody and reminiscent in many ways of the incredible Crown Royal Reserve, it is a great wine to be enjoyed alongside a slice of pizza. The Barbera wine profile comprises fruits like dried strawberry, blackberry, plum and dark cherry. It is relatively affordable compared to many other similar wines that make it the quintessential “wine of the people”.
3. Frappato
A delicious, fruity and a rather rare find from the Southeastern coast of Sicily, Frappato is light-bodied red grape wine. It is highly refreshing as a drink to beat the summer heat. The cherry-colored wine is bursting with fragrances of sweet red berries and is replete with minerality from the volcanic soil in which the grape is grown. The fact that it pairs well with a wide range of foods, including pizza, oysters, potato pancakes and lamb-stuffed courgettes makes it even more special.
4. Pinot Grigio
This is a refreshing white wine that is as uplifting as a cold glass of lemonade on a scorching summer day. It is a type of dry wine characterized by a succinct acidity and hints of limes, lemon, honeysuckle and green apple. Also known as Pinot Gris, this wine originated in France. The grape, which is a mutation of the red grape Pinot Noir, has a greyish-blue skin. Pinot Grigio goes well with vinegary foods. Unlike most wines, it also complements seafood.
5. Provence Rosé
The Provence in Southeastern France is best known for its rosé wines. They are crisp, light, and come with a rife of bright berry flavors and citrus fruits. The dry pink wines of Provence are especially refreshing and complement a meal perfectly. Although full-bodied, they are very light and come with an exceptionally high level of acidity. They are ideal for afternoon summer brunches and go well with pork, shellfish and poultry items.
6. Sauvignon Blanc
This is a white wine that owes much of its popularity in Loire Valley and Bordeaux in France. Sauvignon Blanc is one of the most extensively planted wine grapes globally, which is why it has a range of flavors and styles. It comes in the primary fruit flavors of white peach, passion fruit, green apple and lime. Its availability in few other herbaceous flavors like gooseberry, jalapeno, bell pepper and grass makes it unique. It is highly acidic, making it perfect for a hot summer evening. It pairs well with chicken and most varieties of seafood.
7. Chardonnay
One of the most popular summer wines, Chardonnay is available in a wide range of styles from lean and crisply mineral varieties to creamy white wines aged in oak. In hot summers, you can relish flavors like citrus, fig and tropical fruit notes such as mango and banana. Some Chardonnay wines that have undergone malolactic fermentation have a mild acidity and fruity flavors with a buttery mouthfeel. These wines go well with a delectable portion of scallops and melted leeks for the best experience.
8. Lambrusco di Sorbara
Lambrusco di Sorbara is ideal when you are looking for a sweeter red in the heat. This lively and bubbly wine comes in dry and semi-dry versions. It strikes a perfect balance between acidity and sweetness and is best served chilled. Its slightly floral flavor is perfect for summer days on the beach. It pairs well with grilled and fatty foods, lasagna, and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.
9. Pinot Noir
If you are a red wine lover, Pinot Noir is the grape for you. They are quite fruit-driven and best known for its red fruit, flower and spice aromas. The wine has high acidity and low tannin level, which makes it a versatile drink. Its light body and delightful mouthfeel make it perfect for pairing with barbecued meats.
10. Albariño
This is an incredibly refreshing white wine that grows on the Iberian Peninsula. It is a popular summer drink and is widely loved for its rich stone fruit flavors. Quite similar to Reisling, Albariño has a well-balanced acidity and a dash of salinity along with citrus and sweet honey notes. A friend to all things from the sea, this wine beautifully complements meats, white fish and leafy green herbs.
Choose your wine wisely…
So, this is our recommended selection of exquisite summer wines. However, don’t take these wines and food combinations as gospel. You must try many more varieties apart from these to enjoy charming evenings with your friends. After all, wine is one of the most versatile drinks anyone can find.
Author Bio:
Rebecca Siggers is a passionate writer and guest blogger. Writing helps her to improve her knowledge, skills and understanding about the specific industry. She loves writing and sharing her knowledge mostly in the traveling industry. She believes traveling is the key to a peaceful life and wants to spread her belief across the world. Apart from writing, She loves traveling and reading.
