The Ultimate Summer Wine List
There’s nothing like cooling off from the summer sun with a good glass of wine. A whole slew of wines fit the energy of summer and its weather. Summer wines are light, refreshing, and versatile – fitting with all those outdoor activities. So we are giving you a little help finding the perfect sunny wine for you with this summer wine list.
Let’s discover the ultimate summer wine list to keep in your back pocket!
Sparkling Wines
There’s nothing like beating than heat with a glass of bubbles. Sparkling wines fit into every summer activity with their vibrant energy and celebratory nature. Plus, there are so many sparkling wines, meaning there’s something for everyone. If you’re feeling Italian, a crowd-pleaser is always prosecco with its light and frothy nature. A basic Prosecco DOC is budget-friendly and fruity, fitting in with a good summer brunch.
Want something a little different? Cava can never steer you wrong. Hailing from Catalonia in Spain, Cava is the go-to Spanish bubble, often made in the classic champagne method, creating an elegant bubbly drink at a good price. Cava is usually dry with flavors of green apple, citrus, and often a nutty finish. And, why not make it fun by throwing a little tapas party too? Cava goes seamlessly with all the good little appetizers.
Finally, when in doubt, go for Champagne. There’s nothing better than good champagne (which can only be from the Champagne region in France!) with its refined bubbles and incredible taste. Of course, there are quite a few Champagnes out there – we love a Blanc de Blanc. Meaning ‘white of whites’, this Champagne is made from only Chardonnay (a white wine grape). It’s adored for its more delicate nature and higher, brighter acidity. Just gorgeous!
White Wines
We all think more of white wine than red wine when it comes to summer. And, that’s only natural! The light, refreshing nature of most white wines goes effortlessly with summer. There are a few wine types to go for when you’re looking for the right pair for your summer affairs.
One of the classics is Sauvignon Blanc. This French grape is turned into dazzling wines all over the world. You can stay classic – with a Sauv Blanc from the Loire Valley in France with crispness and zestiness. Or, you can head to New Zealand where Sauv Blanc is quite popular. Here you can find Sauv Blanc with more ripe characters expressing tropical notes while still carrying a really nice refreshing acidity.
This also goes for many California Sauv Blancs, though California is quite a big state, and where the grapes are grown and thus how they are vinified will influence heavily their character. So always check the wine notes online or at the wine shop to ensure you’re getting the kind of Sauv you want!
Not a fan of Sauv? Not a worry – let’s head to Italy for Pinot Grigio, one of the most beloved white wines in the world. Its easygoingness makes it such a simple pick for all your summer plans. It is a light-bodied wine with notes of lemon and orchard fruit like pear or apple. It will go with all those summer salads and grilled farm fresh vegetables.
If you don’t love Pinot Grigio, Vermentino is an excellent summer go-to. It’s a little more bodied than Pinot Grigio, offering a nice balance between body and acidity for those who prefer wines with more structure. It often carries a nice floral note, adding a little more lightness to every sip.
Rosé Wines (or Rosato)
Summer is rosé season, and it pretty much speaks for itself. These wines are made from red wines that only see minimal skin contact with the grape skins (where red wine gets its color from). The result is an approachable, relaxing wine that looks gorgeous in the glass with its pink color.
Rosé comes in many varieties as it can technically be made with any red wine grape. Domenico Winery’s 2023 Sirène is a beautiful rosé exploding with fragrant fruit notes, from strawberry to guava. It’s best for a goat cheese salad or to sip solo by the beach, pool, or just your front porch.
Light Red Wines
Yes – red wine is not excluded from this summer wine list! It can fit right in. Remember there’s no judgment when it comes to wine preferences.
Regardless, there are some red wines with an irresistible flavor and lots of acidity, making them lively and bright just like the summer. A perfect example? Pinot Noir. It’s adored for its light to medium body, with a distinct earthy character that goes with all those grilled meats, like chicken or lamb.
The same goes for Beaujolais, a red wine made not too far from Pinot Noir in Burgundy, France. It’s beloved for its gorgeous crimson color with a tinge of pink that catches your eye. It’s a wine defined by red fruits with a great minerality. It’s so fresh and adaptable, it will have you surprised you’re even drinking red in the summer!
Did you find your go-to wine out of this ultimate summer wine list? We hope so. The Domenico Winery team is always available to help you find the perfect summer wine from their selection of wines crafted with passion and love.
