The Wine Pal

Certain wines are just synonym with summer, perfect to sip under the sun. If you are unsure which white wine to pick off the shelf, here a list of the best white wines to enjoy this summer and all under $20.

The summer is approaching fast and who doesn’t like sipping a chilled, refreshing glass of white wine under the sun?
So here a list of some of the best summer white wines, with food pairing options and wines affordable options to best enjoy the summer.

Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp and Refreshing

When it comes to summer wines, Sauvignon Blanc reigns as supreme as the quintessential summer white. Known for its high acidity and vibrant flavors, this wine is a go-to for many during the hot months. Originating from regions like New Zealand, California, and France’s Loire Valley, Sauvignon Blanc typically boasts notes of citrus, green apple, and tropical fruits. Think grassy notes, hints of citrus, and a touch of minerality.

Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc is a versatile wine, pairing beautifully with grilled seafood, salads, and goat cheese.

Two Affordable Sauvignon Blanc Options

Chardonnay: The Classic but Beloved

Chardonnay’s versatility is unmatched. From the buttery, oak-aged versions of California to the crisp, mineral-driven bottles from Chablis, France, there’s a Chardonnay for every palate. For summer sipping, go for lighter-bodied styles. In particular, opt for an unoaked chardonnay as it emphasized crisp citrus, stone fruit and refreshing flavors refreshing flavors of apple, pear, and tropical fruits making it perfect for hot days.

Pairing: Pair it with grilled chicken, creamy pasta, fresh shellfish, salads or even sushi for a delightful meal.

Two Affordable Chardonnay Options

Riesling: Aromatic Summer White Wine

This German wine grape produces a range of styles, from bone-dry to lusciously sweet. It is also known for its high acidity. Summer calls for drier styles, offering notes orchard fruits such as apple, peach, apricot, nectarine and even pineapple.

Pairing: Whether you like it dry or sweet, Riesling’s high acidity makes it a fantastic partner for spicy dishes and Asian cuisine. It also pairs well with fresh fruits and light desserts.

Two Affordable Riesling Options

Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris: The Light and Lively

Pinot Grigio is a light and refreshing wine, thus perfect for the summer. During the summer (and not only), you’ll always find a bottle of pinot grigio on my table. One of the reasons, is that it’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with everything from brunch to light dinners. Expect  fruit flavors of limes, lemons, peaches, green apples, honeysuckle and even almonds (for Italian style pinot grigio).

Pairing: This a versatile wine, so you can pair it with almost anything from light cheeses, salads, light pasta dishes, seafood dishes and chicken.

Two Affordable Pinot Grigio Options

Assyrtiko: The Greek Islander

Assyrtiko was born to be a summer white wine. After all, when this grape originates from Santorini, how could it not? This wine wine is high in acidity, with a minerality reminiscent of seashells, a touch of salinity and citrus flavors. Contrary to other white wines, Assyrtiko ages surprisingly well. A young Assyrtiko will boast strong citrus and fruity flavors (such as passion fruit). When aged, expect richer notes of honey and nuts.

Pairing: Assyrtiko’s bright acidity and minerality make it a fantastic partner for grilled fish, shellfish, and mezze platters. It also complements dishes with bold flavors, like spicy Thai curries or Greek moussaka.

Two Affordable Assyrtiko Options

Albariño: The Coastal Charmer

If you are looking for a summer white wine, why not this Iberian delight? Albariño (Spain) or Alvarinho (Portugual) is a refreshing and light coastal white wine that is perfect for seafood lovers as it goes with almost anything seafood. Expect to taste a light bodied, high in acidity wine with flavors of citrus and stone fruits. This include lemon and lemon zest, grapefruit, honeydew melon, nectarine, sometimes beeswax and a touch of salinity.

Pairing: Albariño’s salinity makes it a good companion to seafood such as shrimp, oysters, and grilled fish. The wine’s high acidity makes a versatile pairing wine that can complement a variety of cuisines from Asian, Caribbean, sushi and a variety of cheeses and vegetables.

Viognier: The Aromatic Appeal

For those who love a touch of floral perfume in their summer white, Viognier might be a good option. This medium to full-bodied wine offers an intense bouquet of ripe stone fruits (apricot, peach), citrus (tangerine), and even hints of honeysuckle and rose. On top of that, the dryness and crisp acidity of the wine ensure it remains refreshing on a warm day.

Pairing: Enjoy it with lighter fare like grilled chicken, salads, or even goat cheese or even richer dishes like creamy pastas or grilled fish.

Two Affordable Viognier Options

Gavi: The Piedmont White Gem

For a taste of pure Italian sunshine, look no further than Gavi, a captivating dry white wine. Gavi isn’t just a name, it’s also the region in Piedmont, Italy, where this wine is produced. Gavi is a perfect summer white wine as it is light and crisp, with a vibrant acidity that makes it a refreshing summer drink. You’ll get fresh and fruity flavors with notes of citrus such as lemon and grapefruit, green apple, pear, peach (white), roasted almon and sometimes a touch of minerality.
What’s not to like about that?

Pairing: Gavi is quite fruit friendly due to its acidity. From vegetable dishes, to seafood, cheese boards, light pasta dishes or chicken, you’ll find a good pairing companion in Gavi.

Two Affordable Gavi Options

Chenin Blanc: The Versatile Grape

Chenin Blanc is an excellent summer wine offering a delightful range of styles to suit every palate. From bone try to sweet, this versatile grape pairs well with a variety of summer dishes. For the summer, the advice is to focus on dry and off-dry wines, as their acidity offer a refreshing touch. With these styles, expect apple, pear, honey, and chamomilla.

Pairing: Dry styles complement lighter fare like salads, grilled chicken, or even goat cheese. They can also handle richer dishes with their crisp acidity. You can also pair this wine with grilled fish, pork, or a charcuterie board.

Two Affordable Chenin Blanc Options

Vinho Verde: The Effervescent Option

Vinho Verde is a light-bodied, slightly fizzy, refreshing wine from Portugal. The name translates to “green wine,” but it refers to the youthful character of the wines, not their color. Vinho Verde is known for its high acidity and low alcohol content, making it a perfect wine for summer sipping. You’ll taste notes of citrus (lime, grapefruit, lemonade) green apple, melon and gooseberry. And the slight fizziness just adds more to the refreshing taste!

Pairing: Vinho verde pair well with raw or cooked seafood such as fish tacos, ceviche, oysters, shrimp cocktail or grilled fish. Even with sushi! It also goes well with salads and other light dishes (like pasta salad) or chicken.

Two Affordable Vinho Verde Options