Best Summer Wines

Yep, this is article #257 you've come across on what wines to drink in the heat of summer. This one will be on types of wines, what characteristics you want, in a warm weather wine, rather than specific wines that you might have to hunt for. When in doubt shop where there are knowledgeable people you can ask.

So let's say beer or margaritas are out and you, or your lovely SO, want wine. It doesn't even have to be white or pink!

Generally, lighter-bodied wines are better, so choose a Riesling over a buttery Chardonnay or a Pinot Noir over a Cabernet. Lower alcohol wines are best in the heat, somewhere in the 12% to 14% range is best. Boozy wine and heat don't mix well. Tannins in the heavier reds can be drying and bitter. That might taste fine with a steak when it's 30 degrees outside, but not when it's 80.

Higher acid wines are good for many foods, plus give you that refreshing, crisp sensation that goes so well in the heat. Higher acid wines often come from cooler growing areas or higher altitudes. One caveat, young mountain-grown reds can be higher in tannins. 

A Sonoma vineyard within site of the foggy Pacific
Doesn't get much cooler than that
image from sonomacounty.com

 
Certain varietals are naturally higher in acid while being on the lighter-bodied side. For white wines, some of these are Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chenin Blanc, Vermentino, and Albariño (some of these are easier to find than others). Also, sparkling wines, whether white or rosé, are great in the summer, or any time. In red there's Gamay (called Beaujolais in France), Pinot Noir, and Barbera. Grenache is lower in acid, but is a light red. Just watch the alcohol levels, as California ones can be high. Yes, you can put a slight chill on these lighter reds, if you wish.

This doesn't mean you should never drink a Cabernet Sauvignon in the summer. The right evening, when it's not too hot, and the right Cabernet will make the difference. A young Napa cab labeled at 16% alcohol? Nope, but a more aged Napa cab from higher elevation with a reasonable alcohol level might just work.

No, you didn't see me talk about rosé because I rarely drink these. You want higher acid, lower sugar, and low alcohol in your pink wine, and not enough of them are made that way so shop wisely.

Summary (or should I say summery):

You can look by varietal first. Then check the alcohol level. If you know anything about wine growing regions, look for cooler vineyard. If you understand any of the technical aspects, you can shop by total acids and pH -- I know, this is getting a little fancy.