This weekend, in addition to celebrating our beloved dads, we’ll be celebrating the arrival of summer this Saturday, June 20. Summer means the return of picnics, garden aperitifs, and barbecues with friends! However, when summer temperatures soar, we don’t always know which wines to drink. Indeed, there’s no question of opening a full-bodied red wine that might send your guests to sleep. However, red wine lovers can rest assured: all three colors can be enjoyed throughout the summer, even when temperatures are high! We tell you more below.
Rosé wines, the stars of summer
Rosé wine is the wine of summer! It’s the first one we think of serving and enjoying when warm, sunny weather returns. However, not all rosés are refreshing. Beware of full-bodied rosés, which are easy to recognize by their deeper color. Save your Languedoc and Rhône Valley rosés for later so you can enjoy them on cooler days. Very pale, fruity rosés with a light taste are the preferred choice. Dry rosés are the most refreshing. Rosé wines from the Loire Valley and Provence are perfect with tomato and mozzarella salads. Pale rosés also pair very well with charcuterie. Don’t hesitate to pair Parma ham with perfectly chilled melon for a delicious combination of flavors!
White wines, always a winning choice
In summer, white wines are enjoyed very cold, between 8 and 12 degrees. There is one exception, however: certain great Burgundy or Alsace whites should not be served below 10 degrees in order to preserve their aromas. For white wines to enjoy during the summer, choose dry, mineral wines, which are more refreshing. Wines from southern France, Corsica, the Loire Valley, and certain light Burgundies are ideal. Avoid sweet and dessert wines, which are too sugary and more likely to make us thirsty. White wines pair very well with seafood and grilled fish.
And yes, reds too
Light red wines can absolutely be enjoyed in summer and can even be very pleasant to drink during hot weather. Avoid tannic, full-bodied, structured reds such as wines from Languedoc and southwest France, which are far too heavy when it’s hot. Red wines from the Loire Valley and Beaujolais, Alsace Pinot Noir, and Burgundy Pinot Noir will be perfect for summer meals. Choose fruity reds and serve them between 12 and 14°. To ensure your red is nicely chilled, place the bottle in the refrigerator for half an hour. The wine will be slightly chilled and ready to serve. Light red wines pair wonderfully with grilled foods at a barbecue.
Sparkling wines, whatever the weather
For the most festive occasions, serve Champagne and crémant well chilled, between 8 and 10 degrees. If you’re outdoors, we recommend serving them ice-cold (in a bucket of cold water with ice cubes). For Champagne, choose extra brut varieties: they are drier and contain less sugar, making them the most thirst-quenching. If you prefer demi-sec Champagne, like the grand hotels, try “the swimming pool” by adding ice cubes to your glass. The cold from the ice will balance the sweetness of the demi-sec for a fresh, sparkling result! Another summer favorite is the spritz. Made with the Italian aperitif Aperol and prosecco, and topped up with sparkling water, it is served well chilled at any time of day!
