While it’s been an unseasonably wet June for us in Eastern Washington, I can’t help but anticipate warmer temperatures. Summer is my favorite season for getting people together and enjoying outdoor dining. At our house, wine is always a part of the equation.

Plenty of reds, whites, and sparkling wines are light enough to drink all season long. Here are 7 wines you’ll love to drink this summer to beat the heat.

#1 Riesling

Riesling is one of the most interesting white wines. In fact, Washington is recognized as having excellent Rieslings. Though often sweet and viscous, dry Rieslings are characterized by crisp acidity and peach, apricot, and pear notes. If Thai food is on the menu, Riesling is a great wine to pair with your meal. It’s known to be one of the most food-friendly wines during the summer months– and I’m all about versatility.

#2 Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is the perfect grape that won’t leave you sleepy in the summer heat. Pinot Noir features the juicy complexity of bigger wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, yet with half the body. It’s a light red making it ideal to start any meal. This wine is perfect for hosting red lovers while attempting to keep things on the airier side.

#3 Rosé

When you think of summer wines you may already be thinking of Rosé, and you’d be right. The thing to keep in mind is that Rosé is a blanket style and the types of wine labeled as such can actually vary greatly depending on the circumstances. While there are a number of different ways to produce Rosé, the end result is similar regardless –crisp acidity, a pretty blush pink color, and a light body. Rosé pairs well with shellfish but, it’s also surprisingly versatile and can also pair nicely with red meat. For a summer wine, it’s tough to beat a Rosé.

#4 Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris

Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris is a popular white wine grape born to be sipped during the summer months. With notes of mango, pineapple, and guava the acidity of Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris makes it the perfect wine to pair with vinegary food. There are few wines that can beat this grape when it comes to pairing with seafood.

#5 Moscato

Not everyone loves a super dry white wine. For those that want something on the sweeter side, Moscato is the ideal choice. Be mindful that cheaper Moscatos can be overly sweet; however, well-crafted Moscatos that are ripe and juicy have notes of honeysuckle and pear. Moscato is a fabulous choice for a dessert wine or alongside an acidic salad.

#6 Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is perhaps the best wine to pair with chicken and most types of seafood. When choosing a summer white wine, Sauvignon Blanc is exactly what people want. It’s acidic yet subtle enough to carry creamy lime notes, herbs, and mango. With the popularity of this grape, it shouldn’t be tough to find an excellent bottle without spending tons of money.

#7 Chardonnay

Few grapes embody such a creamy, buttery flavor as Chardonnay. The creaminess of Chardonnay pairs well with buttery foods. Think of a gentle summer breeze with a plate of scallops, melted leeks, and a glass of Chardonnay. That’s warm weather elegance that’s tough to top and an affordable luxury that any wine lover can appreciate.

Summer gets shorter and shorter every year so, pick out your summer wines and enjoy them alfresco!

Cheers,
Natalie