Beyond the Usual Suspects: A Guide to the Best Wines for Warm Weather

As the summer months approach, many of us turn to refreshing white wines and rosés to quench our thirst. However, according to industry experts, the season is perfect for indulging in a wide range of wines. Jesse Carr, director of food and beverage at Virgin Hotel New Orleans, sets the record straight: “Summer is a great time to explore a variety of wines, and I’m not just talking about the usual suspects like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio.”

For barbecues and outdoor gatherings, bubbles and chillable reds are a perfect match for fatty meats. Carr recommends high-acid options like Cava, Cremant, or tank-fermented French sparkling wines, which cut through the richness of grilled meats and vegetables. Red wines, such as Jura reds, red pét-nats, and Beaujolais, also shine when slightly chilled, offering a refreshing respite from the summer heat.

White wines, including homegrown labels and emerging international varieties, also have their place at the summer table. Diego Deleon of Kaori Miami praises the mineral-forward Txakolina from northwest Spain, which is perfect for sipping by the pool or serving with seafood. Italian Vermentino is another favorite, with its “crisp and thirst-quenching” characteristics making it a great choice for hot summer days.

One of the standout summer wines is The Vice Orange of Gewürztraminer from California. This skin-contact wine is refreshing on its own, but Deleon suggests pairing it with anything grilled. “The oxidative, nutty notes in a good orange wine complement the deep umami and char of grilled meats and vegetables beautifully,” he explains. “It’s a match made in heaven, and it’s perfect for a summer evening.”

Other summer favorites include Whitehall Lane Winery’s Sauvignon Blanc from St. Helena, which is simultaneously crisp and round, making it a great choice for sipping on its own or pairing with lighter fare like salads or seafood. Early Mountain Vineyard’s Intention is a structured white wine with tropical notes and zippy acidity, perfect for serving with garden kebabs or shrimp scampi.

For a pungent yet aromatic presentation of orange wine, Tamra Presley Weiss recommends Benvenuto Zibibbo from Calabria. This dry, skin-contact moscato is delicious well-chilled on its own as an aperitif, and it pairs perfectly with virtually any hors d’oeuvres.

International varieties are also making a splash this summer. Atzei Saragat’s Vermentino from Sardinia is herbal yet laced with floral undertones, making it a great choice for serving with summer salads or grilled meats. Ameztoi’s Getariako Txakolina from Spain is crisp, refreshing, and slightly effervescent, perfect for sipping on its own or serving with seafood or white meats.

For chillable reds, Italy stands out with impressive examples from central- to island wine regions. Capezzana’s Barco Reale di Carmignano is a Sangiovese-dominant red blend that makes an ultimate chiller due to its palate of juicy red berries and bright acidity. This wine is perfect for serving with prosciutto or lightly seasoned grilled chicken.

Malbec is also a great choice for summer grilling, according to Pablo Braida, the first master sommelier from Argentina. He recommends Mascota Vineyards’ ‘Unanime’ Malbec from the southern Uco Valley of Mendoza, which is lush and juicy with ripe red and black fruits and a bouquet of fresh violets and liquorice. This wine is perfect for serving with burgers, red meat, or even grilled fish.

Finally, no summer wine list would be complete without a classic rosé. Hecht & Bannier’s Bandol Rosé from France is a light-bodied yet layered wine with distinct citrus notes and a dry, crisp finish, making it a versatile pairing for summer foods from salads to wood-oven pizza.

Whether you’re looking for a refreshing white wine or a chillable red, there’s a perfect summer wine out there for you. So why not try something new and explore the world of summer wines? Your taste buds will thank you.