Cooling Down Summer
Are you looking to escape the heat with a chilled glass of white wine this summer? White wines offer a refreshing and delightful way to stay cool and unwind. While some classic options might come to mind, there’s a whole world of grape varietals waiting to be explored! From the zesty Furmint to the aromatic Viognier, the choices are plentiful. These light and invigorating wines are perfect for sipping on those sweltering summer days.
Whether you're relaxing on the patio or hosting a festive barbecue with friends, white wines like the crisp Sauvignon Blanc and the vibrant Vermentino are sure to satisfy your taste buds. Take the opportunity this season to discover new white grape varietals and perhaps find a few new favorites to enjoy all summer long.
Discovering New White Wines
Summer is the perfect time to explore new and exciting white wines. From the zesty and crisp Sauvignon Blancs to the aromatic and full-bodied Viogniers, there is a wide range of flavors and styles to suit every palate. These wines are not only refreshing but also pair beautifully with the light and fresh foods that define the season.
Here are some tips to make the most of your summer wine experience:
- Experiment with Pairings: Don’t be afraid to try new pairings. White wines are incredibly versatile and can complement a variety of dishes from different cuisines.
- Serve at the Right Temperature: Serving your wine at the appropriate temperature is key to enjoying its full flavor profile. As a rule of thumb, lighter whites should be served well-chilled, while fuller-bodied whites are best enjoyed slightly warmer.
- Explore Lesser-Known Varietals: While Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are popular choices, there are many other varietals worth exploring. Wines like Vermentino, Furmint, and Pinot Blanc offer unique flavors and characteristics that can enhance your wine-tasting journey.
Our Top 10 Summer Sippers
1. Walnut Block Sauvignon Blanc
Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand
Flavor Profile: This Sauvignon Blanc is bright and zesty, with notes of grapefruit, passionfruit, and a hint of fresh herbs. It has a crisp acidity that makes it incredibly refreshing.
Perfect Pairing: Ideal with seafood dishes like oysters or a fresh summer salad with goat cheese.
Serving Temperature: Serve well-chilled at 45-50°F for maximum refreshment.
2. Domaine Salvard Cheverny Blanc
Origin: Loire Valley, France
Flavor Profile: This is a delightful blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, offering a fresh and vibrant flavor profile. It boasts crisp notes of citrus, green apple, and subtle tropical fruits, complemented by a hint of minerality and a clean, refreshing finish.
Perfect Pairing: Enjoy with seafood, salads, white meats, or grilled summer vegetables
Serving Temperature: For the best tasting experience, serve well-chilled at around 45-50°F. This helps to maintain its crisp acidity and refreshing flavors.
3. Monteverro Vermentino
Origin: Tuscany, Italy
Flavor Profile: This Vermentino is rich with flavors of citrus, green apple, and a hint of almond. It has a bright acidity with a slightly saline finish that evokes the Mediterranean breeze.
Perfect Pairing: Perfect with grilled fish or a summer vegetable medley.
Serving Temperature: Serve at a cool 50°F to capture its refreshing essence.
4. Broadbent Vinho Verde
Origin: Portugal
Flavor Profile: Vinho Verde is known for its slight effervescence and light body, with flavors of lime, green apple, and a hint of fizz that makes it incredibly refreshing.
Perfect Pairing: Pair with light appetizers, salads, or even as a standalone aperitif.
Serving Temperature: Best enjoyed well-chilled at 40-45°F.
5. Emile Beyer Riesling
Origin: Alsace, France
Flavor Profile: This Riesling features vibrant notes of citrus, green apple, and a touch of minerality. It's balanced with a crisp acidity that makes it a fantastic summer wine.
Perfect Pairing: Great with spicy dishes, Asian cuisine, or a fruit-based dessert.
Serving Temperature: Serve at 45-50°F for a refreshing experience.
6. Pierre Martin Sancerre
Origin: Loire Valley, France
Flavor Profile: Sancerre is a Sauvignon Blanc with a complex flavor profile of citrus, green apple, and a hint of flintiness. It’s known for its elegant and crisp character.
Perfect Pairing: Excellent with goat cheese, fresh seafood, and green salads.
Serving Temperature: Enjoy at 50-55°F to fully appreciate its nuances.
7. Novellum Chardonnay
Origin: Languedoc, France
Flavor Profile: This Chardonnay offers flavors of tropical fruits, citrus, and a touch of vanilla. It’s unoaked, providing a refreshing and clean finish.
Perfect Pairing: Ideal with grilled chicken, seafood pasta, or roasted vegetables.
Serving Temperature: Serve slightly chilled at 50-55°F.
8. Elk Cove Pinot Gris
Origin: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Flavor Profile: Elk Cove Pinot Gris has bright flavors of pear, melon, and citrus. It’s light and crisp, making it perfect for summer sipping.
Perfect Pairing: Pair with grilled salmon, shrimp ceviche, or a summer fruit salad.
Serving Temperature: Best served at 50°F.
9. Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc / Viognier
Origin: California, USA
Flavor Profile: This blend combines the crisp acidity of Chenin Blanc with the aromatic richness of Viognier, resulting in flavors of melon, peach, and a touch of honeysuckle.
Perfect Pairing: Pairs wonderfully with spicy dishes, grilled fruits, and light cheeses.
Serving Temperature: Serve well-chilled at 45-50°F.
10. Le Paradou Viognier
Origin: Rhône Valley, France
Flavor Profile: Le Paradou Viognier offers rich aromas of apricot, peach, and white flowers. It has a full body with a luscious finish, making it a great choice for those who enjoy aromatic wines.
Perfect Pairing: Ideal with grilled peaches, creamy cheeses, and herb-infused dishes.
Serving Temperature: Serve slightly warmer at 55°F to enhance its aromatic qualities.
Pairing White Wines with Summer Fare
One of the joys of summer is the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. Pairing white wines with seasonal produce not only enhances the flavors of your food but also creates a light and refreshing dining experience perfect for warm weather.
Some pairing ideas include:
- Sauvignon Blanc with a citrus salad topped with fresh herbs.
- Chardonnay with grilled rosemary chicken on a bed of summer vegetables
- Vermentino with grilled fish served alongside a lemony quinoa salad.
- Furmint with a spicy chicken wrap featuring mango and avocado.
- Viognier with a summer fruit and cheese platter.
- Riesling with a spicy barbecue dish.
Join the Conversation
We'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences with these summer white wines. Have you discovered a new favorite? What are your go-to pairings? Join the conversation and share your summer wine adventures with us.
Cheers to a season of crisp, refreshing, and delightful white wines!