When summer comes around, it is time for the cool, crisp acidity of white wines to shine. Some of the best summer wines are white, and there is a wide variety from which to choose. From dry white wines to the slightly sweet each have their place in summer parties, picnics and barbecues. Here are some of the best choices for white wine for summer.
#1 White Wine for Summer: Sauvignon Blanc
The clean, grassy, light taste of a Sauvignon Blanc makes it one of the best summer wines. Whether this wine is drunk alone or paired with food it makes a great refreshing summer wine. With its herbaceous qualities it goes well with summer salads, light flaky grilled fish, and grilled shellfish. This white wine is also the best summer wine for pairing with tomato-based summer dishes. Sauvignon Blanc is also sometimes called Fume Blanc.
Recommendation: Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc (Chile) $8-$10
This fresh wine with meadow-like aromas is meant to be drunk young, so look for a 2008. Just sipping it alone is perfect for a bright sunny summer afternoon. Or pair this white summer wine with a platter of grilled vegetables or grilled shrimp. It is also forward enough to make a good complement to lighter meats such as chicken or fish that have a sweet barbeque sauce. Find a wine shop near you that carries this Sauvignon Blanc at wine-searcher.com.
#2 White Wine for Summer: Riesling
A semi-dry Riesling with its slight sweetness is the classic grape of Germany, and many of the best Rieslings originate there, although you can find good domestic Rieslings from California and the Northwest. Reisling is one of the best summer wines for spicy barbeque or asian fare. Also good for summer desserts.
Recommendation: Josef Leitz Rüdesheimer Drachenstein “Dragonstone” Riesling 2007 (Germany) $15
This German Riesling is a good example of a traditional Riesling. It has a great balance between acidity and sweetness with citrus aromas and sweet spice undertones. Try this white wine with spicy barbecued meats from chicken to pork ribs. It also one of the best summer wines with brats and even hotdogs with mustard and sauerkraut. Check wine-searcher.com to find this Riesling near you.
#3 White Wine for Summer: Pinot Gris
Pinot Gris is the white grape version of a Pinot Noir and makes one of the best all-around summer white wines. Some of the best Pinot Gris is from France, and in the United States, look for an Oregon Pinot Gris. Pinot Grigio is made from the same grape and is best known in Italy and California. Pinot Gris is fruity, citrusy with a slight mineral taste. Pairs well with seafood, summer pasta dishes and salads, and grilled meats and vegetables.
Recommended: King Estates Pinot Gris 2007 (Oregon) $12-$14
With a peachy fruity flavor accented with citrus grapefruit flavors, this is a bright fresh Pinot Gris that sings of summer. Very versatile with food pairings, it works with almost any grilled vegetable, seafood, or meat, including a simply grilled steak. This is a great white summer wine for a wide variety of summer meals. King Estates wines are also organic, if you are looking for an organic summer wine, this is a good one. Easily found at most wine shops.
#4 White Wine for Summer: Champagne/Brut
Drinking sparkling wines with barbecue is a new trend that puts champagne near the top of the best summer wines. It also pairs well with sushi for a light summer meal. And of course, you need it for summer parties and celebrations such as engagement parties and bridal showers.
Recommended: Gruet Brut Blanc De Noirs NV (New Mexico) $13-$15
This brut is an excellent value with bright citrus and fresh kiwi/apple hints. Go out of the norm and have it with barbecued pork ribs. It works equally well with sweet or spicy BBQ sauces. Also good with seafood and smoked salmon. Easily found at most wine shops.
#5 White Wine for Summer: Semillon
Semillon is much lower in acidity than most summer white wines. It is buttery and becomes toasty and rich with age. A younger Semillon is more citrusy, but balanced with buttery tones. Semillon can be an acquired taste for some people as it is quite different from most white wines. Pairs well with oily and rich seafood such as lobster, salmon and tuna.
Recommended: Torbreck Woodcutters Semillon 2007 (Australia) 2007 $16-$18
Australia is one of the premier producers of the Semillon grape, and this Semillon is a very good choice for a summer wine. Smooth and crisp at the same time, Woodcutters Semillon is buttery with mellow citrus notes and a slight smokiness. With its medium to heavy body, it is a good pair for richer summer foods and makes an excellent picnic wine with fried chicken. Locate a bottle near you at wine-searcher.com
Experiment with one of these wines for a great white summer wine. If you want to try some of the best red summer wines, check out the Top 5 Red Wines for Summer.
