5 Crisp & Unique White Wines for Summer Sipping
Stuck in your rut of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio every time summer rolls around?
For me, ideal white wines for summer are light-to-medium in body, high in acid (crisp), fruit-forward (but dry), and perfect for pairing with summer activities and dishes. If this is making your mouth water, keep reading.
I hope these recommendations get you out of your white wine comfort zone and allow you to discover your new favorite warm weather beverage.
By the way, if you want to learn how to taste wine so you can discover your preferences and try something new, book a virtual or in-person wine tasting with me. All wine tastings are customizable, so we can stick to the summer theme, if you like!
5 Crisp & Unique White Wines for Summer Sipping
If you’re like me and your wine preferences change with the seasons, summertime brings an intense craving for crisp, cold, and refreshing white wines. These are the best options for BBQs, beach days, pool parties, and afternoon sips on the porch.
If you love light-bodied, refreshing white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, these wines are perfect alternatives for when you’re looking to try something new.
Here are the best white wines for summer, plus where they grow, what they taste like, and some tasty food pairings.
verdejo
Verdejo is a Spanish white wine that grows mainly in the region of Rueda. It has notes of green fruits, peaches, citrus, almonds, and herbs, namely fennel.
Like most wines, Verdejo comes in a few different styles. You’ll find those that are light-bodied and minerally, and others that are a bit rounder. Whatever you choose, both styles are refreshing, with medium-to-high acid, and great for summer.
Verdejo Food Pairings
Some of my favorite summer pairings for Verdejo are pork tacos, seafood, grilled veggies, pad thai with a squeeze of lime juice, and salads with citrus dressing to pair with the lemon-lime flavors in the wine.
Verdejo Wines to Try
ribolla gialla
In my eyes, Italy is the land of refreshing, crispy white wines that are perfect for both food pairing and summer sipping...which is why you’ll find a few Italian varieties on this list.
Ribolla Gialla is an indigenous white grape variety from the northeastern Italian region of Emilia-Romagna (also where lasagna, balsamic vinegar, Parmigiano Reggiano, and tortellini are from, for reference).
Ribolla Gialla is typically vibrant, fruity, and floral, with high acidity and notes of melon, peaches, yellow apples, white flowers, herbs, and honey. The body is light-to-medium, the acid is medium-to-high, and the finish develops with intense fruity and flavorful notes.
Ribolla Gialla Food Pairings
Being the crisp and refreshing white wines it is, Ribolla Gialla obviously pairs great with seafood. Try this wine with sushi, crispy calamari, or white fish in a lemon sauce. I’d also enjoy a glass with grilled halloumi, herbed chicken dishes, and bright salads.
Ribolla Gialla Wines to Try
Ronchi di Cialla Ribolla Gialla, Colli Orientali del Friuli, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy - $23.99
Fantinel Tenuta Sant'Helena Ribolla Gialla, Collio Goriziano, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy - $28.99
grechetto
Though grown throughout the Italian regions of Umbria and Lazio,Grechetto is actually native to Greece. You’ll most often find it as a blend in the wines of Orvieto, Umbria.
Grechetto can come as a fuller bodied white wine, but it’s still dry with crisp acidity, making it ideal for summer pairings. Look out for notes of peaches, melon, citrus, minerality, and flowers.
Grechetto Food Pairings
Grechetto can stand up to heavier seafood dishes like grilled salmon or tuna steak. It’s also delicious with chicken dishes, risotto, and semi-soft or mild cheeses.
Grechetto Wines to Try
anjou blanc (chenin blanc)
Chenin Blanc is quite the chameleon...it comes in a wide range of styles, so you can get a completely different wine from one region to the next.
Out of Anjou (an area in the Loire Valley in France), the Chenin Blanc is typically dry and peachy, with mouthwatering acidity. You might also experience more complex Anjou Blanc with smoky minerality and a unique, velvety texture.
Anjou Blanc Food Pairings
Due to its high acidity, Anjou Blanc is quite food-friendly. I’d pair a chilled bottle with grilled chicken or fish (especially if you get a smoky one), crisp salads, or smoky cheeses.
Anjou Blanc Wines to Try
Chateau De La Roulerie Anjou Blanc, Loire Valley, France - $19.99
Chateau de Plaisance Anjou Blanc, Loire Valley, France - $29.99
Albariño
This white wine from northwestern Spain is definitely one of my favorite white wines of all time. It hails from the region of Rías Baixas (AKA “Green Spain”, because of heavy rainfall).
The vines sit along the coast, which can be reflected in an oceanic or saline quality in the wines. Note: You’ll also find this wine from Portugal, where it’s called Alvarinho.
Albariño is such an easy-drinking, lovable wine. I love recommending it to any wine-drinker because it’s accessible and affordable, and just damn delicious. It can be aromatic and fruity, often with notes of peaches, tropical fruits, melon, and citrus. It has high acidity and ranges from light-to-medium in body, depending on the producer.
Albariño Food Pairings
Due to its oceanic character, Albariño is perfect for pairing with all forms of seafood. Grilled shrimp, fish tacos, Spanish tapas, sushi, the list goes on. Just try it, trust me.
Albariño Wines to Try
Lagar de Cervera Albariño, Rías Baixas, Spain - $20.99
Granbazan Albariño Etiqueta Ambar, Rías Baixas, Spain - $27.99
I hope this list inspires you to get out there and try something new! All of these wines pair well with picnics and the beach, so you’re set for the rest of spring and throughout summer.
If you’re looking for more unique wine recommendations, book a virtual or in-person wine tasting with me! I’ll teach you the basics of wine tasting, so you can get to know your preferences and feel confident in choosing wines you love. Or join our Wine Tasting Club for access to at least two monthly virtual wine tastings, discounts, personalized wine recs, and more!
Inspired to take some wine classes now? Check out my posts on WSET wine education and tips for passing each levels 1, 2, and 3 of WSET.
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