When the temperatures heat up, what is your go-to wine? Naturally we all crave whatever is cold, light and refreshing. Familiar white wine favorites like Sauvignon Blanc fit the bill for sure, whether it’s the grassy, grapefruit-dominant versions from New Zealand, the mineral-driven and floral ones of the Loire, or the soft and fruity versions from California. But it’s not the only solution for summer. Beyond the aromatic and bright Sauvignon Blanc lies a whole world of pleasingly perfumed options for summer. Read on to find out what those are! What better time is there than now to explore these summery-scented white and red varieties?
Lychee | Gewurztraminer
Lychee is the classic aroma of Gewurztraminer, an aromatic white, which has found its true home in the Alsace region of France. Styles from dry to sweet abound, all of which explode from the glass with intense tropical perfume. Treat yourself and pair this intriguing summer wine with takeout spicy Indian or Thai food for a relaxing evening at home.
Mint & Sage | Viognier
These beautiful herbal scents waft their way out of a glass of Viognier, making it the perfectly fresh summer wine. Ranging from lighter styles to full-figured ones, either way, it provides a charming match to scallops seared in lemon and garlic, shrimp and pineapple kabobs or rosemary-grilled chicken!
Peach & Nutmeg | Friulano
Wondering what to pair with grilled asparagus? Grilled octopus? Ceviche? Wonder no more! Where the Adriatic Sea meets the Alps, the language is quite simply, Friulano. Crumbly soil called ponca, made of stratified marl, sandstone and tiny fossils combine with the cooling winds of the Alps to provide a fresh salinity and minerality to the region’s wines. Collio’s star variety, Friulano, perfectly floral, bright and lush on the palate, proves phenomenal with the most difficult summer ingredients.
Jasmine | Moscato
Brunch on the patio? Weekend by the pool? You need Moscato. As an alternative to a mimosa, consider the low-alcohol, bubbly, Moscato d’Asti. Jasmine, honeysuckle and orange blossom jump from the glass and make this charismatic sparkler a natural pairing with a vegetable scramble, quiche, fruit tart or key lime pie.
Rose | Nebbiolo
There's plenty of room for red wine in the summertime, especially when it's as fragrant and captivating as Nebbiolo, the star grape of Barolo and Barbaresco. In the summer, the lighter-bodied and approachable fruit-forward styles of Nebbiolo d’Alba, Langhe Nebbiolo and Roero Nebbiolo are just perfect with grilled steak, sausages or portabella, and a sure way to impress—without the price tag!