Our favorite wines can change with the season. Sometimes the bold reds that taste great with slow cooked meals feel too heavy in the summer, and a light crisp wine doesn't hit quite right during the holiday season.  We're sharing some of our favorite summer wines for summer 2021 below.  Give them a try and comment below to let us know what you think!

Best Summer Wines

1. PATIENT COTTAT, LE GRAND CAILLOU SAUVIGNON BLANC, LOIRE VALLEY, FRANCE, 2019

At under $11 per bottle this wine is easy to drink and to serve to a crowd!  It's a light lemon yellow. Aromas are soft, subtle aromas of lime and cantaloupe with a whiff of minerality. On the palate greengage plum, kiwi, and citrus flavors with vibrant acidity and interesting minerality.

2. MARQUÉS DE CÁCERES, ROSÉ, RIOJA, SPAIN, 2019

This appealing blend of 96% Tempranillo and 4% Garnacha Tinta is an easy summer sipper! It's a pretty, luminous pale coral pink color. Floral bouquet of small red berry fruits and a slight touch of aniseed. Luscious flavors on tasting with refreshing acidity and balanced structure. An elegant rosé with character and good length. 

3. CASA E. DI MIRAFIORE LANGHE NEBBIOLO, PIEDMONT, ITALY, 2013

Red wine is a great option in the summer, and this Italian option is an easy choice. Garnet red color. Aromatics of warm notes of nutmeg, dried tobacco leaves, black plum and tamarind. On the palate the wine has a tannic impact, while sweet and enveloping, with a very long balsamic finish.  Pair with: tasty pasta dishes to meat and medium-aged cheeses. This is a top performing wine and we are fortunate to have the 2013 in stock - and at an amazing price.

4. SAGET "LA PERRIERE" VOUVRAY MARIE DE BEAUREGARD, TOURAINE, LOIRE, FRANCE, 2017

We poured this wine (virtually!) at our STARS of White Wine event and it was a crowd favorite!  At $16 per bottle, it's a beautiful pale gold color with some bluish tints. On the nose, mineral expression of chalk and flint followed by a burst of ripe pear, acacia honey, candied fruits and lemon. The palate has a beautiful balance of freshness and sweetness with a silky texture.

5. CASTELLUCCIO LUNARIA, SAUVIGNON BLANC, EMILIA-ROMAGNA, ITALY, 2018

This wine is at a great price point (under $10!) for a wine with such a great score.  Straw yellow color, with metallic and green hints. The bouquet is refined, precise and well concentrated. Sweet and green at intervals, with a well defined hint of citrus fruits skin (particularly lime and grapefruit). Dry, with reasonable body, sustained by an acidulous vein and almost spicy hot. An aromatic taste that returns as an after-bouquet. Good persistence.

6. LE CONTESSE, PINOT NOIR ROSÉ BRUT, VENETO, ITALY

Bubbles and rosé? Yes please! Bright pink color, fruity notes with a touch of berries and tropical fruit. Floral bouquet, with a hint of rose and violet. Fine and long lasting perlage, fresh and persistent.  Surprising as an aperitif. Excellent when matched with fish, seafood or delicate meat dishes and cheese.

7. CANTINA TOLLO MO MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO DOP RISERVA, ITALY, 2014 (TRE BICCHIERI)

This fruity montepulciano pairs well with grilled steaks or italian food! Plus it scored 91 points from Wine Enthusiast. Full-flavored with good length, complex and strong tannins. A reserve Montepulciano d’Abruzzo with intense fruit aromas, and notes of black cherry and forest fruits. Twenty-four months in oak casks and six months in the bottle for an aging which improves with time.

8. GREGORY GRAHAM SANGIACOMO VINEYARD CHARDONNAY, CARNEROS, 2019 (FORMER WINEMAKER AT ROMBAUER )

Begins with fruit aromas of peach and pear that are enhanced with hints of toasted oak, thyme, and caramel. The wine is very full-bodied, with flavors of ripe peach and tropical fruits, with a rich, thick finish. The oak is very well integrated, adding light toast to the aroma and accentuating the wine's richness with flavors of creamy vanilla and toffee. This Chardonnay can be enjoyed on its own or with anything that calls for rich, full-bodied vin blanc.

Summer days are fleeting and are best savored with great wine!