What makes a great summer wine? The wines that work with heartier fare in colder months aren't necessarily ideal for sipping by the pool or packing in a picnic. Thankfully the variety of wines that pair with warm sunny days is more nuanced than simply white in summer and red in winter.
Generally, summer wines of any color will be higher in acid and lower in alcohol than your typical sweater-weather wine. Acidity is an important component in the balance of a wine, especially when pairing with food. Look for white wines that are fruit- or mineral-driven, such as Sauvignon Blanc from Chile, which, thanks to its far southerly latitude, benefits from cooler temperatures and long sunshine hours, resulting in zesty wines with fresh tropical and citrus aromas.
Rosés were made for summer, and while I enjoy them year-round, they're especially well-suited to a balmy evening. Pink wines are made around the globe and come in a range of hues, from the palest Provencal rosés to the deeply pigmented offerings from Tavel in France's southern Rhone Valley. Rosés are made from red grapes that were crushed and pressed immediately off the pigmented skins (as is the case with Provencal-style rosés) or allowed to macerate with the skins for a short time before being pressed, resulting in a deeper colored wine. Grapes for rosés are picked earlier than those destined for red wine production, resulting in wines that are lower in alcohol but high in juicy acidity and fresh fruit aromas, making them as perfect for pairing with food as they are for sipping in the sun.
Orange wines are becoming popular, and while many producers are experimenting with this style for the first time, the tradition is centuries old. Orange wines are made from white grapes that have been macerated with their skins for a short time, similar to the production of some rosés. The resulting wines range in color from orange to golden to silvery pink and can offer complex, spicy aromas. Served chilled, they can be a good foil against grilled fatty fish like salmon or spiced vegetable kebabs.
Just because it's hot outside doesn't mean red wines should be off the table. Look for wines that are naturally lower in tannins, such as gamay or pinot noir, the principal red grapes in the French wine regions of Beaujolais and Burgundy, respectively. Northern Italy is an excellent source of chillable summer reds that beg to be served alongside a platter of charcuterie and grilled vegetables. Corvina is the principal red grape in wines from the northeastern region of Valpolicella and produces refreshing red wines with bright red berry and herbal aromas. Barbera and Dolcetto are beloved local grape varieties in the northwestern regions of Asti and Alba. Deeper in color but still relatively low in tannins, these wines stand up well against salty cured meats, grilled mushrooms or burgers and of course, pizza.
Temperature is always important to consider when serving wine, but especially during the summer months. It may seem odd to dunk a bottle of red in an ice bucket, but consider the ideal serving temperature for wine in relation to the ambient air temperature. The recommended temperature for light-bodied red wines like the ones mentioned above is 55 degrees, which is significantly cooler than ideal picnic weather. The effect of sunlight through glassware is also warming, so the wine should be served slightly cooler to account for impending warmth. Stick red wines in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving on a hot day, and if out in the sun, consider keeping the wine on top of ice in a cooler. More structured, tannic reds are best served at slightly warmer temperatures (60-65 degrees) but will still benefit with tempering in hot weather.
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Summer 2023 favorites
Schplink Gruner Veltliner, Austria $43/ 3L box
Grapes were organically grown and hand-harvested. Crisp aromas of lemon and green apple are layered with herbal notes of fresh mint and basil. This delicious, zippy wine comes in a 3L bag-in-box that will last over three months in the fridge once opened, making it perhaps the most perfect summer wine of all time.
Mas Redonne Bandol Rosé, France $25
Rosés from the Bandol region of southern France are famed for their concentrated fruit flavors. The Mas Redonne Bandol rosé over-delivers with intense aromas of strawberry, grapefruit and apricot with juicy acidity and a mineral finish.
Anne Pichone Orange, France $22
A 70/30 blend of roussane and sauvignon blanc grapes, this organically farmed wine from the southern Rhone region of France is produced with minimal additives. The grapes are pressed and allowed to macerate on the skins for five days, resulting in an apricot-hued wine with vibrant peach and lemon zest aromas and balanced acidity.
Zlatan Plavic Mali, Croatia $25
Croatia has been making incredible wines for centuries. Located on the eastern coast of the Adriatic opposite Italy, wines from these lesser-known regions are often an incredible value. Made from organic plavic mali grapes, this wine is aged in stainless steel tanks to preserve its fresh black cherry and blueberry aromas. A perfect companion to tomato season, it's great alongside stuffed cabbage or summery ratatouille.
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Ashley Meyer studied winemaking at Lincoln University in Christchurch, New Zealand, and recently achieved the Level III award from the Wine and Spirits Educational Trust. When she's not cooking, gardening, parenting or writing, you can find her at It's All About Wine, offering insightful recommendations and mouthwatering pours.
