As May flowers fade, the more stern months of summer saunter into our lives and our wine drinking regimen.
Time to lay down big, bold reds and celebrate the buys of summer. Rosés. Lighter whites. Lighter reds, maybe chilled, maybe even with an ice cube floating in the glass. Wine punches like sangria come into play, so refreshing on a warm picnic, backyard soiree day.
This also can be the time for wines in a can. Perfect for sipping in a boat or by a pool where glass is déclassé or on a picnic or hike where you don’t want weight to slow your gait. After sailing or rowing or motoring or splashing or trekking to a scenic rendezvous, sipping on a light, refreshing Bacchus elixir can become part of a long-relished memory.
This also is a time for wines typically not considered for summer. Sherry, for instance. In Spain—where true sherry is made—there is a long-standing tradition of summer sherry. Consider sherry with ice, a splash of citrusy soda, and a fresh mint leaf. In the lower Adulucía, they mix sherry with well-chilled carbonated water and a mint leaf. Use the lighter sherry styles—fino and manzanilla.
Red wines can be served very well chilled or on ice to beat the heat. Gamay and pinot noir, light red wines, are the most appropriate candidates. Pour inexpensive stuff. Use a large ice cube—like you would do with bourbon. Alternatively, chill the wine in your refrigerator (usually 35º F).
Easy peasy warm weather wines (all served well chilled): rosés, sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio, un-oaked chardonnay, albariño, vinho verde, assyrtiko, dry riesling, gewürtztraminer, verdejo, vermentino, grüner veltliner.
The best summer wines combine brisk, refreshing acidity with regional flavors. But it must be acknowledged we are privileged to live in an era when summer heat can be relegated to a passing nuisance. If you must, crank down the AC, dig in to your fatty beefsteak and massive Napa cab. As long as you are discreet, no one will shame your for it.
Tasting notes
• Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Aveta Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 2023: Distictive interpretation of sauv blanc from famous, quality maker in a stellar vintage in Napa. $30-38
• Three Sticks Casteñada Rosé, Sonoma 2023: Polished, demure, elegant; fresh, fruity; polite tannins, refreshing acidity, and complexity justify its premium rosé status. It is the highest priced rosé made in Sonoma. $45-55
Last round: I am through with Amazon. I ordered grain for my chickens. Then, after I got it, they sent me an email asking for my feedback. Wine time.