Top Choices for Chillin' Summer Wines

Summer wines can be quite a challenge. While there's nothing better on a hot summer evening than a cold glass of wine, a lot of people don't consider themselves white wine drinkers. I have a suspicion that one of the biggest reasons this is so is because many whites really aren't best served as cold as they often are. Chilly temperatures can mute flavors so, for summer, selections that can hold up under the 50 degree mark are essential. The most popular white wine (Chardonnay,) isn't necessarily one that does the best super cold, so if you are typically a Chardonnay drinker, consider branching out. To help you on your quest for refreshing but not boring summer wines I've detailed four great choices below. All but the last one can be found on wine.com

To begin, here are two Rieslings that are sure to surprise non-Riesling drinkers. Both of these go fantastically well with food, but are equally enjoyable nice and cold on their own.

Bonny Doon Pacific Rim Riesling - Central Coast, CA

I first had Bonny Doon's Pacific Rim Riesling 6 years ago at an outdoor rehearsal dinner - the wine was so perfect for that steamy August evening (I raved about it for a week afterward,) that it has remained the first bottle I break out each year when the temperatures begin to eek upward. Though each vintage varies, it is consistently enjoyable. It's uncharacteristically dry, which, if you're not typically a Riesling fan is a good thing indeed. Instead, the crisp fruitiness rolls over the tongue beckoning you to take another drink. At around $11 a bottle, it's reasonably priced and I can't recommend it highly enough for barbecues - especially those that will involve pork or chicken.

Jekel Riesling - Central Coast, CA

This Riesling is somewhat sweeter than the Bonny Doon, with a floral touch of pear. Holds up well against a backdrop of spicy Thai food or Curry, but doesn't overpower more delicate seafood choices. In fact, this wine is best served with food, as it creates a lovely interplay, each bite enhancing the next sip. It has a sharp acidity which cuts through strong flavors quite nicely. If you pay attention, you'll find notes of citrus up front and more mineral notes on the finish. For around $9 a bottle you can treat yourself to a great value.

Kim Crawford 2006 Sauvignon Blanc - Marlborough, New Zealand

This is the one wine where I'll mention a vintage for the simple fact that the 2006 won a slot in Wine Spectator's top 100 of 2006. It's received quite a lot of positive attention, and for good reason; the balance of fullness and refreshing crispness is just right, the aroma - intoxicating! Hints of grapefruit will make you smile, while the price will make you shake your head. Though not exactly a cheap wine at just over $17 a bottle, it is an amazing value. The wine-maker recommends serving this one with oysters, asparagus, and summer salads.

Sogrape Gazela Vinho Verde NV

Though harder to find, this one's quite inexpensive and exactly right for a hot evening on the porch or patio. Vinho Verde is Portuguese sparkling wine made from a blend of grapes. This particular Vinho Verde has just the right amount of fizz to make the watermelon and citrus notes bloom. It's dry with a bit of a "green" finish. Though it's not as outstanding as the aforementioned wines, it is the most refreshing of the bunch. It's a great wine for summer parties or as a precursor to something more substantial, and at roughly $6 a bottle you can't go wrong!