The hottest part of summer is upon us, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up your glass of wine with dinner for a coconut cocktail. Summertime calls for summer wines — light reds and whites that will keep you feeling refreshed and will go with almost anything you pair them with.
What makes a wine light? The best way to tell is by looking at the alcohol content, anything less than about 12.5 percent is often considered light. If you aren’t sure, just ask one of the Spec’s wine experts and they will help you pick the perfect bottle, or you can use one of their suggestions below. Kick back, relax and pour yourself a glass of one of these go-to light summer wines!
Cava
Spain’s version of champagne, Cava, is made in the traditional French method, but exclusively uses Spanish grape varietals.
- Cava is the Catalan word for “cave” or “cellar.”
Castillo Perlada, Brut, Cava, Spain, Non-Vintage – $7.99
A serious wine, the smoky minerality of the citrus fruit lends an aristocracy that many far more expensive sparklings seem unable to conjure up. Slightly floral and deliciously dry, it is a remarkable value.
Muscat
Regardless of style, Muscat wines are delicate, refreshing and actually taste like grapes. Best when young and well-chilled, these wines range from bone dry to intensely sweet with fruity, musky and floral characteristics.
- The Muscat grape is said to be one of the oldest domesticated grape varietals.
Guilbaud Cuvee du Lion Muscadet Sevre & Maine 2011; Loire, France $8.99
Marie-Luce and Jean-François Guilbaud make up a super family winemaking team, owning both Château La Bretonnerie and its renowned neighbour Domaine du Grand Mouton. They work exclusively with different parcels of Muscadet grapes, creating a perfect balance of tangy, tropical notes, fresh white flowers and a stony minerality.
Riesling
This variety can range from crisp and dry to luscious and sweet, but almost always tastes of lime and has a distinct floral aroma.
- The first documented evidence of Riesling was in 1435.
Selbach Riesling 2010; Mosel, Germany – $13.79; 1L
Honeyed with green apple, nectarine and mineral notes with a clean finish, this is an incredible sipper that works with more food than most wines.
Pinot Grigio
The low acidity of this white grape helps produce elegant, perfumed and honestly refreshing wines that have a gentle citrus flavor.
- In many countries, including the U.S., Pinot Grigio is also referred to as Pinot Gris. While technically the same grape varietal, they are often made in two very different styles.
St. Michael Eppan Pinot Grigio 2012; Alto Adige, Italy – $16.99
Light green lustre runs through the straw color of this wine, with an aroma rich in fruits, the most striking of which is pears. An excellent acidity balance gives this wine strength and structure. It is dry and smooth on the palate, and leaves a long, pleasant aftertaste.
Gamay
Gamay is the primary grape of Beaujolais, a region administratively considered part of the Burgundy wine growing region, but one that has a climate closer to that of the Rhone. It is known for being one of the most pleasant and easy to drink wines with its fresh, fruity flavors.
- Gamay is best consumed within 1-2 years of bottling.
Francois Labet, Beaujolais Villages 2011; Burgundy, France – $7.49
This Beaujolais-Villages 2011 has a sparkling garnet color. The nose is intense and floral, with subtle notes of barley followed by fresh almond aromas. Of a round structure, notes of Tagada Strawberry bring a touch of candiness.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir sets the bar for light red wine. Classic berry, cherry and currant flavors, and silky textures are typically balanced with spicy or floral tones. Very sensitive to climate and handling in winery, this fickle grape of Burgundy yields low tannin and acidity, medium colors and lifespan.
- The Pinot Noir grape is one of the most challenging varietals to grow.
The Ned, Pinot Noir 2012; Waihopai River, New Zealand – $14.99
It’s a particularly welcoming location for Pinot Noir, and the 2012 vintage provided grapes packed with vibrancy and intensity. Gently handled in the cellar and aged in French oak puncheons for nine months, the finished wine is beautifully perfumed and bursting with red fruit flavor.
Prices include 5% cash savings. Save with your FREE Spec’s Key! All wines are 750ml unless noted.
