Ah, summer in the desert, that special time of year that can make even a cactus reconsider its life choices.
When the sun feels closer than your nosy neighbor, and you start questioning your own sanity, there are only a few things that can make the blazing heat a tad more bearable: ice cream, air conditioning—and the perfect summer wine. Since I’m sure you have the ice cream and A/C covered, I’ll leave you with my Summer Survival Wine Guide, which will help you forget you’re practically living on the scorching surface of the sun.
First on the list is the classic rosé. This wine is the epitome of summer, with its light, fruity flavors and pretty pink hue. Rosé is like that friend who never overstays their welcome—light, refreshing and always ready for a good time. Whether it’s a Provencal rosé with its delicate notes of strawberry and peach, or a bolder Spanish rosado with aromas of ripe raspberries and rose petals, rosé’s versatility and thirst-quenching qualities make it an ideal choice for those sweltering desert afternoons and evening get-togethers.
There is no doubt these are the months when white wines reign supreme. Chilled whites are like the little black dress of the wine world—always in style and always appropriate. But in the desert summer, they take on a whole new level of fabulousness. Forget about the typical chardonnay (unless it’s unoaked and chilled to perfection); I’m talking about the zippy, the zesty, and the utterly gulpable whites that can quench your thirst like nothing else.
When the weather is doing its best impression of an industrial blow dryer, it’s time to reach for something that’s cooler than a polar bear’s toenails: sauvignon blanc. This fresh white wine is full of citrusy flavors and offers a subtle herbaceousness with a hint of green apple. Think of it as the liquid equivalent of air conditioning for your mouth. The styles from Marlborough in New Zealand, Loire Valley in France, and Sonoma County here in California are all bursting with bright, crisp notes of lime zest, lemon curd and clementine oranges, making them the perfect match for your favorite summer salads.
If sauvignon blanc and rosé are the popular kids, Albariño is the cool exchange student everyone wants to get to know. This Spanish white wine jumps out of your glass with flavors of peach, apricot and a hint of salty sea air. It has more weight and body than a sauvignon blanc but is still light on its feet and offers up beautiful aromas of blossoms and white flowers. It’s like a beach vacation in a bottle—minus the sand in uncomfortable places. While Spain is the original home of Albarino, I adore the Bodega Garzon Albarino from Uruguay; here in California, Edna Valley and Lodi are creating some excellent examples as well.
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you can take your taste buds on a global adventure with some crisp and delicious (albeit hard to pronounce) wines, like Gruner Veltliner (grew-ner velt-leener). This Austrian gem offers a peppery kick and mineral undertones that make it stand out from the crowd. Bonus: Gruners often come in one-liter bottles, which is very important if you have company and are forced to share your wine provisions.
Don’t forget you can always cool down those red wines, too! In fact, there is an entire category of reds that are meant to be chilled. Yes, you heard it right—red wines that love the fridge.
Spain’s Basque region is known for a vibrant and zippy white known as Txakolina (cha-ko-lean-ah). It is made from an indigenous grape called Hondarrabi Zuri, and you’ll love this wine’s flavors of fresh herbs and citrus fruits, with a little salinity and a subtle effervescence. Don’t let the tall, skinny shape of the bottle fool you: This wine is bone dry and goes down dangerously easy.
We can’t talk about summer wines without mentioning Vinho Verde, Portugal’s gift to parched throats everywhere. This young, slightly fizzy wine is a revelation for anyone looking for a perfect day-drinking beverage. With its low alcohol content and bright, citrusy flavors, Vinho Verde is practically begging to be enjoyed under misters and an umbrella. It’s light enough to drink all day without feeling like you need a nap by noon, and it pairs beautifully with ceviche, sushi and lots of sunblock.
Lastly, don’t forget you can always cool down those red wines, too! In fact, there is an entire category of reds that are meant to be chilled. Yes, you heard it right—red wines that love the fridge. There is something so delightful about sipping a glass of chilled Beaujolais, grenache or Trousseau, or a light pinot noir, while basking in (or hiding from) the 110°F heat. These wines, ideally served at a cool 55°F, offer a surprising burst of refreshment. Their light body and fruity profiles make them the perfect companion with everything from grilled veggies to barbecue ribs.
So, there you have it—a lineup of wines to help you not only survive, but thrive in the desert heat. Remember, the key to summer wine enjoyment is keeping it chilled and light, much like your sense of humor during a power outage in August. So go ahead, pour yourself a glass—and toast to making it through another scorching day. Cheers!
Great article. Well written, informative, humorous, but serious at the same time.
Thank you for the positive feedback!