Welcome to the best summer wines served chilled! Nothing beats a cool glass of wine on a hot summer day. Whether you’re out at a picnic, by the pool, or just relaxing on your porch, chilled wines are the perfect way to enjoy the summer. If you are looking to scope out your nearby wine store, or what wines are popular on marketplaces like those with Grays, you will need to at least know the beginnings of what wines are best served chilled.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best summer wines on the market, from sparkling wines to whites and roses. We’ll also look at the best food and wine pairings for each type, especially when your beverage is served chilled. So grab a glass and let’s get started!
Sauvignon Blanc
Grown in cooler climates belonging to France, New Zealand, and California, Sauvignon Blanc is a cross between the cabernet franc and sauvignon gris grapes. This light and refreshing white wine is known for its crisp, acidic, and citrusy flavors. It often also contains aromas of grapefruit, lemongrass, and green bell pepper, making this dry, light-body a perfect match for light summer meals, especially when chilled. When served with a summer meal, our tip for pairing food with this wine is looking for a congruent match like fish, salads, and other light fare.
Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio is a light-bodied, dry Italian white wine made from the Pinot Gris or Pinot Grigio grape variety. Its’ flavours are usually concentrated in floral, citrus, and mineral aromas. It is often described as crisp and refreshing, with a light body and bright acidity. Pinot Grigio grapes tend to be low in sugar and high in acidity, and the wine made from them is light in color. Some blends may choose to utilise hints of green apple, honeydew melon, and lemon to stand out. Due to its’ Italian heritage, it pairs well when chilled with summer dishes like salads, seafood, and pasta.
Rosé
Made from red wine grapes, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Grenache and Tempranillo, rather than white, Rosé is a light and fruity wine known for its popularity in summer. It is made by allowing the skins of the grapes to remain in contact with the juice for a brief period during fermentation. This gives the wine its’ iconic pinkish hue, while also providing a light, refreshing flavour. It pairs well with a variety of classic summer dishes, including grilled fish, salads, and charcuterie. Serve it chilled for optimal refreshment.
Chardonnay
Made from the same grape variety as its name, Chardonnay is a full-bodied white wine that can be grown and found almost anywhere in the world. The flavor of Chardonnay varies depending on the climate and soil in which it is grown. In cool climates, the wine is crisp, acidic, and light-bodied, with subtle flavors of apples, citrus, and minerals. In warmer climates, Chardonnay can be full-bodied, with intense tropical fruit flavors, buttery and oaky notes, and a touch of vanilla. Due to this range of flavours, it is a wine that bucks conventional thoughts of pairing white wines with fish. It may come as a surprise to beginners of drinking wine that Chardonnay that often goes well with heavier summer dishes. It especially pairs well with grilled meats, perfectly cooked fish, and roasted vegetable dishes.
Riesling
Originating from the Rhine region in Germany, and now found globally, Riesling is a sweet, fruity white wine that sees a broad range of styles. Riesling can be fermented to be dry or incredibly sweet, and these styles can also experience a range of tastes; from light and crisp to full-bodied and intensely flavored. It is a highly aromatic variety, with notes of citrus, stone fruit, honey, and floral characteristics. This high acidity makes it a great food pairing wine, regardless of the season. However, the more richly sweet types pair well with the light flavours of summer desserts and fruit salads when served chilled.
Prosecco
Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine made from Glera grapes grown in the Veneto region of Italy. Its light body and low alcohol (usually 11.5% ABV or lower) make it an easy-drinking and refreshing choice for hot summer days. Not to mention, its effervescence provides a fun, celebratory feeling that pairs perfectly with summer fun.
Prosecco maintains a light and refreshing tone, with a slightly sweet flavor and aromas of citrus, peach, and floral notes. It pairs best with light and refreshing dishes, such as salads, seafood, or light pastas. However, it is also great for summer brunch, as it is a great accompaniment to eggs, pastries, and light fruit dishes. For richer dishes, such as creamy pasta dishes, it’s best to opt for a more full-bodied variety of Prosecco.
It is clear that, when it comes to summer drinks, there are many delicious options available. Whether you’re looking for something sweet, sparkling, or dry, there’s sure to be a summer wine that will tantalize the palate of you and any guests you have over. Best of all, these chilled wines will not only keep you cool in the scorching sun, but provide a guide for various pairings with summer dishes. With these guidelines in hand, you can be sure to serve up a range of delicious summer wines that will please your guests.