Like food, the types of drinks we enjoy in the summer are very different from those we enjoy in the colder winter months. The kind of wine that tastes good with a warm winter meal may not be to your liking in the heat of summer. In fact, alcohol tends to make you feel even hotter unless you choose the right drinks and serve them right. Which is why you would enjoy a refreshing wine during the warmer months.

Avoid heavier wines

When looking for the perfect refreshing wine, you should avoid anything that has a complex, heavy, or woody flavour. Examples of these types of wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Super Tuscans and Syrah. Wines to look for include those with lower alcohol content, lower acidity, and light fruit flavours.

Lighter examples

Some good examples of wines to consider for summer include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris or White Burgundy. Sparkling rosé or white wines are also great for summer. Any wine with a light, fresh flavour and a hint of fruitiness is a great choice!

A special treat

Sauvignon Blanc grapes are associated with citrus flavours which make them very refreshing. The Moscatel grape is used to make Moscato and is also very light with a lovely aroma. These types of refreshing wine pair very well with fresh fruit which is an added bonus as summer also calls for light meals and snacks.

Whenever you serve a bottle of refreshing wine in the summer, you need to keep the serving temperature in mind. Chill the wine in the refrigerator before serving, and return the bottle to the refrigerator or an ice bucket. While some may say you should add ice to your glass, this will dilute the wine. There are some reusable plastic ice cubes that will help chill your wine without diluting it, so you can use those if you’re in a pinch.