Summer is finally here, and as our chances of spending the coming months sipping a Chianti in Tuscany are looking increasingly unlikely, we’ve compiled a list of the best types of wine to drink in warm weather.
White Wine
When choosing a white wine in warmer weather you should note the acidity, the body and whether is is dry or sweet. We recommend a higher acidity, light to medium body and a dry taste. Partner these wines with seafood, white meats and cream based dishes.
Pinot Grigio
The ultimate crowd pleaser! If you’re unsure which way to go with white wine we highly recommend starting with a pinot. Pinot Grigio can either come from Italy or France depending on the region. The acidity of this wine pairs really well with seafood.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is a very versatile French wine. The notes are creamy, spicy, acidic yet soft. This wine pairs really well with cheese, green vegetables, oysters and delicate fish.
Albarino
This Spanish wine is made from a variety of grapes, which makes it very light and refreshing to drink. Perfect for those balmy evenings. This wine pairs perfectly with white seafood and meats along with leafy green herbs.
Rosé Wine
When looking for a Rosé to drink this summer, the elements you should look out for is the age of the bottle, how dry the wine is and whether the is it sweet. Once again dry rosé wines are better for summer weather, fruity wines are not necessarily sweet. The age is very important with rosé, the taste gets better with age, but don’t leave this much longer than two years as the acidity and crispness will start to deteriorate.
Grenache Rosé
This wine is best served really cold, which makes it perfect for those hot summer days. The taste is very crisp which makes it very refreshing.
Pinot Noir Rosé
The Pinot Noir Rose works really well with a range of different foods, so great to serve with a meal. This wine is very dry.
Red Wine
The idea of drinking a red wine in the heat may not be the most appealing, but you can get some reds that are perfect for chilling and the blends can compliment the balmy evenings perfectly. When drinking red in warm weather be warned, that once opened the taste will deteriorate quicker than in cooler temperatures, so once opened make sure you consume in 1-2 days.
Beaujolais
A Beaujolais is a tasty, light red wine that can benefit from being chilled for 30 minutes in the fridge before drinking. Pair with charcuterie, omelette or tuna.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir’s tend to be made with summer fruits, which taste very nice once cooled for 20 minutes prior to drinking. The short spell in the fridges transforms the usual cosy taste into a refreshing drink. Pair with salmon, roast chicken or pasta dishes.
Rioja
Just in case you don’t want to cool your red wine, a Rioja is always great summer drink. The Spanish wine is very full bodied and has a dominant cherry flavour which goes well with balmy summer evenings. The best part is that a Rioja goes with almost any food – grilled red meats, vegetables, strong cheeses – try them all!
