Top 10 Wines for Summer that aren't Rosé or Prosecco
No, I don't just drink Rose and G&Ts all summer long. I simply can't survive three months of the year without some more serious flavors. Here's what I do:
1. Riesling.
This one's a no-brainer.
2. Chablis.
You can still drink Chardonnay in the heat! Chablis has the acidity and minerality needed to refresh. We have plenty of nice easy examples!
3. Reds from the Jura.
The whites can be a little wintry, but Jura reds have a lightness to them that is perfect for a room temperature meal. Asparagus with proscuitto and maybe a poached egg on top? Don't forget to chill the wine down a bit.
4. Cru Beaujolais.
This is wine I drink all year long, maybe just cooled down a little more in the summer months. Frankly I don't care what the weather is like outside, Beaujolais is a year-round go-to!
5. Champagne.
It's time to get a little fancier again. Champagne is the perfect serious wine to drink al fresco when the sun is bright. But it doesn't have to be that serious.
6. California Cabernet.
I know, this sounds like crazy talk. But you're going to be cooking hamburgers outside this summer and you'll appreciate the exuberant fruitiness that only California can offer.
7. Aged Muscadet.
I love mature white wines, and warm weather is as good an excuse as any to break out an older Muscadet. This is one of the most over-looked white wine values on the planet.
8. Chianti Classico.
I grill a lot of steak in my backyard during the summer. I often just serve it with a squeeze of lemon and some olive oil. Guess where else they do that? In Tuscany. Chianti is essential.
9. Malbec.
See item 8 above. Replace lemon and olive oil with "chimichurri." I think you see where I'm going with this. But please, don't get any of the gross industrial Malbecs that are flooding the market.
10. Fine Burgundy.
Why not? It's delicious, so crank up the air conditioning and enjoy. Believe me, it can get pretty warm in the Cote d'Or, and they don't switch to Rose.
As always, you can buy these summer wines through the links to our webpage above. But if you'd like some help rounding these 10 bottles up to a full case or personalizing these recommendations just call the shop (212-477-1315) or stop by! We'd be happy to putting something together to your specifications and to arrange delivery too, of course!