Discover the best white wine options to complement summer weather and food pairings for a memorable experience.
As the summer season kicks off and social calendars fill, choosing the right white wine can elevate any gathering. While classic varieties like chardonnay, pinot grigio, and sauvignon blanc remain popular, wine educator Anjali Douglas of the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) suggests that the ideal wine for your summer event depends on the weather.
For warm days, lighter, younger wines such as dry riesling or whites from the French Alpine region of Savoie are great choices. These wines are bone-dry, zesty, and often lower in alcohol, making them perfect for sipping on a sunny afternoon. The burgeoning wine scene in England and Wales is also producing exceptional whites, with chardonnays that offer crisp green apple and lemon flavors, reminiscent of a fine English Chablis.
When it comes to food pairings, Douglas recommends following the principle of “what grows together, goes together.” For instance, a tomato and mozzarella salad pairs beautifully with falanghina from Campania, Italy; a goats cheese salad is perfect with Sancerre from France; and grilled octopus matches well with albariño from Galicia, Spain.
To ensure your wine is enjoyed to its fullest, avoid narrow glassware and allow the wine to breathe for a few minutes outside of an ice bucket, which can mute its flavors.
