Summer Wines

After months of hard work, you’re ready to spend those hot summer days by the coast, living your best life. What could make it even better? The answer: the perfect wine. Is wine good in summer? Certainly so, but your choice matters a lot. Since not all wines suit hot weather, we’ve created this list of the summer wine options to help you make the most of your summer experience. Even if you’re stuck in the city, you can still pour a glass, relax, and let those crisp, fruity flavours transport you to a summer paradise.

What Makes the Best Summer Wine?

What do you need to know, generally, to pick the best drink for a summer getaway? Let’s start with the basics.

Acidity: a must in a good summer wine

When temperatures rise, you want a wine that feels refreshing rather than heavy, and acidity plays a huge role in that. It provides balance, ensuring wines don’t taste flat or overly ripe. Acidity keeps flavours focused, enhances food pairing potential, and makes wines feel more mouthwatering.

Choosing a refreshing wine for summer

Freshness isn’t just about acidity. It also comes from the flavours and aromas that remind us of cool breezes and bright fruit. Best white wines are distinguished by their crisp, fruity, and herbal notes, while light-bodied reds are more reminiscent of juicy red berries and aromatic spices. Unoaked wines are the preferable choice here: techniques like stainless steel aging (instead of oak) and minimal intervention help retain fresh vibrancy.

Light-bodied or full-bodied? Opt for light white wines for summer

Light-bodied wines are perfect for enjoying on a hot summer day, with their delicate flavours and easy-drinking nature. They pair well with lighter appetisers, green salads, fresh seafood, and grilled vegetables. Full-bodied wines, on the other hand, are better suited for cooler weather when heartier dishes are on the menu.

Refreshing summer wine: keep it chilled

Chilled wines are a summer essential, and it’s worth experimenting with different varietals to discover your perfect chills. The coolness not only provides refreshing relief on hot days but also enhances crisp and vibrant flavours. Whether you’re sipping a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or a lively Vermentino, a chilled glass of white wine offers the perfect summer refreshment.

Best Rosé Wines for Summer

Starting with the most sophisticated options, rosé wines offer an unforgettable experience. Known for their elegant and refreshing qualities, they’re the perfect choice for warm days. Besides, there’s a diverse colour palette that adds another aesthetic dimension to a good wine for a summer evening.

 

1. Gamay Rosé: Bright and Juicy

• Colour: Gamay rosé often displays a vibrant pink hue, with expressive aromas of strawberry, raspberry, and hints of watermelon and rose petals.
• Profile: Lighter in body but bursting with juicy red fruit, Gamay rosé offers lively acidity and a smooth, refreshing finish. Its playful, fruit-forward character makes it an easygoing summer choice.
• Techniques: Grapes are gently pressed or undergo brief skin contact, extracting just enough colour and flavour to create a bright, fruit-driven rosé style.
• Pairing: Gamay Rosé pairs beautifully with summer fare such as charcuterie boards, grilled vegetables, and picnic classics like quiche or cold pasta salads.

Our choice: Domaine Joel Delaunay Touraine Rose £14.99

 

2. Provence Rosé: The Classic Summer Rose Wine

• Colour: French rosé, especially from Provence, is known for its pale pink hue, delicate flavours, and crisp acidity.
• Profile: This wine has a dry, mineral-driven profile. lively acidity and refreshing fruit flavours like strawberry and watermelon.
• Techniques: Winemakers in France typically use Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, and Mourvèdre, employing direct pressing or short maceration to achieve a light colour and refined taste.
• Pairing: Delicate Provence Rosé is a perfect pairing for a variety of summer dishes such as grilled seafood, fresh salads, and light pasta dishes.

Our choice: Ultimate Provence Rose £19.99

 

3. Italian Rosato: Vibrant and Versatile

• Colour: Italian rosato wines range from pale salmon to deep cherry pink, depending on the grape variety and winemaking style. Expect lively aromas of wild strawberries, cherries, and fresh herbs, with hints of citrus peel and floral notes.
• Profile: Rosato from Italy is known for its balance of juicy red fruit, crisp acidity, and a dry, refreshing finish. Whether made from Sangiovese, Negroamaro, Montepulciano, or Aglianico, these wines offer vibrant flavours that capture the warmth of the Mediterranean sun.
• Techniques: Winemakers typically use short skin contact or gentle pressing to achieve the desired colour and freshness. Stainless steel fermentation preserves the bright, fruity character and clean finish.
• Pairing: Italian Rosato pairs beautifully with summery Mediterranean dishes – think prosciutto and melon 0r grilled seafood.

Our choice: Tormaresca Calafuria Negroamaro Rosato £16.99

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  Best Summer Sparkling Wines

  

  No summer celebration is complete without the golden bubbles of sparkling wine. From crisp, refreshing Prosecco to elegant, luxurious Champagne, there’s a perfect sparkler for every occasion. The effervescence adds a festive touch to summer experiences, whether you prefer a dry Brut or a sweet Moscato. And, if the day is truly special – there are more notable options beyond these traditional choices. Find your best summer sparkling wine with our help!

  1. Pignoletto: A Refreshing Take on Italian Wine

  • Profile: Often compared to Prosecco, Pignoletto is a fantastic summer choice. Its citrussy, floral notes make it perfect for warm-weather sipping.

  • Pairing: Ideal for pairing with light summer salads, seafood, and appetisers.

   

  Our choice: Colli d’Imola Pignoletto £12.99

   

  2. Cava: Spain’s Affordable Sparkler

  • Profile: What makes this Spanish sparkling wine a great choice for summer gatherings is its bright fruit flavours and effervescent bubbles.
  • Pairing: Cava pairs excellently with a variety of dishes, from grilled tapas to fresh fruit platters, which makes it a very good wine for summer gatherings.

   

  Our choice: Pinord Selection +&+ Cava Brut £13.99

   

  3. English Sparkling: Crisp, Elegant, and Refreshing

  • Profile: English sparkling wine is crafted using the traditional method, much like Champagne, resulting in fine bubbles and a crisp, vibrant character. Expect bright flavours of green apple, lemon zest, and brioche, often underpinned by a refreshing acidity and subtle minerality that reflect the cool English climate.
  • Pairing: English sparkling wine pairs wonderfully with classic summer dishes such as fish and chips, smoked salmon, fresh strawberries, and light seafood platters. Its lively bubbles and acidity also make it an excellent partner for creamy cheeses and festive canapés.

   

  Our choice: Hattingley Valley Classic Reserve £28.99

   

  Best Summer Red Wines

  Can I drink red wine in summer? You might want to avoid full-bodied red wines in hot weather, although, of course, you can still enjoy them in the shade. Here are some of the light red wines for summer that are perfect for outside dining and beach getaways.

   

  1. Gamay: Best Light Red Wines for Summer

  • Profile: Vibrant acidity and juicy red fruit flavours in Gamay, specifically Beaujolais, make it a refreshing and easy-drinking option for warm weather.
  • Pairing: The low tannins in Gamay also make it a versatile choice that pairs well with a variety of summer dishes, from grilled meats to fresh salads.
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  Our choice: Domaine des Marrons Fleurie £29.99

   

  2. Frappato: A Bright, Chillable Red

  Profile: Frappato is a light-bodied red wine from Sicily, known for its vibrant flavours of fresh strawberry, cherry, and pomegranate, with subtle floral and herbal notes. Its soft tannins and juicy acidity make it exceptionally refreshing, especially when lightly chilled, offering an easy-drinking style perfect for warm weather.

  Pairing: Frappato pairs beautifully with summer fare like grilled vegetables, tomato-based pasta dishes, and Mediterranean mezze. Its bright fruit and refreshing lift also complement charcuterie, light poultry dishes, and even a classic margherita pizza.

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  Our choice: Mandrarossa Frappato £14.99

   

  3. Barbera: Low-Tannin Good Red Wine for Summer

  • Profile: Barbera’s cherry and blackberry flavours shine in the summer heat, making it a refreshing and easy-drinking choice for any outdoor gathering.
  • Pairing: This Italian red wine is known for its bright acidity, which pairs perfectly with fresh summer dishes like pasta salad or grilled chicken.

   

  Our choice: Cantine Povero Barbera D’Asti £14.99

   

  Best Summer White Wines

  

  Finally, let’s talk about the best white wine for summer. White wine is probably the most popular choice for summer parties, – and there are just so many of them. Good white wines for summer offer a beautiful balance of fruitiness and acidity, making them a delightful choice for sipping on a sunny afternoon. Their dry profile pairs perfectly well with light summer dishes such as fresh garden salads, grilled zucchinis or aubergines, delicate cheese platters and sea food skewers.

  • Sauvignon Blanc. A great example of a good summer white wine with high acidity and freshness is a crisp Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, with its zesty citrus flavours and bright acidity perfect for sipping on a hot day.

  Our choice: Babich Black Label Sauvignon Blanc £18.99

  • Pinot Grigio. Pinot Grigio is another popular choice for summer dining due to its light and refreshing qualities. The crisp acidity of chilled Pinot Grigio can help cool you down on a hot day, while its subtle fruit flavours add a touch of sweetness without being overpowering.

  Our choice: Franz Haas Pinot Grigio £16.99

  • Albarino. Known for its citrussy flavours and crisp minerality, this Spanish variety pairs perfectly with seafood dishes and makes a great summer white wine. The bright acidity and freshness of Albariño make it a go-to choice for those looking to cool down and relax.

  Our choice: Martin Codax Albarino £17.99

  • Vermentino. Vermentino is a Mediterranean favourite known for its bright, zesty flavours and floral notes. This light summer white wine showcases crisp acidity that pairs beautifully with fresh seafood and Mediterranean dishes.

  Our choice: Chapoutier Marius Blanc £10.99

  • Riesling. Riesling is a versatile wine that can be enjoyed in either its sweet or dry form, making it a perfect option for summertime. Its bright acidity and refreshing taste make it a great pairing for a variety of dishes, from spicy Asian cuisine to light summer salads.

  Our choice: Donnhoff Riesling QBA Dry £26.99

  • Chardonnay. A lightly oaked or unoaked Chardonnay can be a smooth and versatile option for those who enjoy a richer, fuller-bodied sweet summer wine. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or relaxing on the patio, Chardonnay is a great choice to please many palates.

  Our choice: Les Mougeottes Chardonnay £10.99

   

  To conclude, there are plenty of delicious good summer wines to enjoy during the warmer months. Whether you prefer a crisp and refreshing wine or something with a bit more body, a sweeter dessert wine or a drier option for a refreshing aperitif, there is a wine out there to suit your taste preferences. So grab a bottle, sit back, and enjoy the sea breeze with a glass of perfectly matched refreshment.

  Do you have your favourite summer red wine? Or maybe a good summer rose wine to recommend?

  Share your favourite wines in the comments! Tell us about your go-to summer white that pairs perfectly with seafood or a light salad. Have you discovered a hidden gem—perhaps a sparkling wine or light red that refreshes while warming your soul? Share your recommendations to help us create a curated list of the best summer wines for everyone to enjoy.