Refreshing wines and warm weather go hand in hand, though finding high-quality, affordable sippers can at times be a challenge. Come summer, most of us simply want to sit back, relax, and enjoy what’s in our glass, without having to put too much thought behind getting from point A to point B. Sound like you? We’ve got your back.
Introducing or Seasonal Sips: Summer Edition, a curated six pack of wines featuring our top go-to bottles for summer sipping. Whether hanging by the pool, heading to the beach, or loading up the boat for a day in the sun, this hand-picked selection of wines promises to carry you through the entire summer season. Can’t wait to see what’s inside? Check out the details behind our collection (and where we think you’ll best enjoy them), here.
Hanging by the Pool – 2019 Domaine Font Mars Picpoul de Pinet
Never heard of Picpoul before? If you love Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño, or other high-acid white wines, this bottle is guaranteed to satisfy your thirst. Native to the south of France, this tangy variety is known for producing lip-puckering wines loaded with flavors of lemon lime, fresh herbs, and crushed oyster shells. Zingy acid leads to a thirst-quenching, salt-laced finish. Pop by the pool, no snacks required—though if oysters are on the table, this wine promises a match made in heaven. Heading to the Beach – 2019 Bodegas Itsasmendi Txakoli
Beach days scream for something dry and crisp, which is why we always grab a bottle of Bodegas Itsasmendi Txakoli before heading beneath the sun. Don’t let the name (or its pronunciation) scare you away! This Txakoli (cha-koh-lee) comes from Spain’s Basque country and is produced from the Hondarribi Zuri grape. Herbaceous notes of lemon, lime, white flowers, and orange blossom lead to a salty, mouthwatering finish. Pair with fresh salads, fish tacos, or chips and guac all day long. Days Spent on the Boat – 2019 Calavon Provence Rose
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There’s a reason why Provence’s long-standing reputation for delicious rosé still rings true to this day—it truly is one of the best regions out there for tasty, thirst-quenching pinks. Crafted from a blend of Cinsault, Carignan, and Grenache, this light-bodied, easy-to-sip wine oozes with flavors of white peach, grapefruit, fresh cut melon, and Meyer lemon. Plus, the grapes used for this wine are farmed using organic practices, which makes the deal even better. Sip with grilled shrimp, fresh fish, or a variety of French cheeses. Summer Barbecue Sipping – 2019 Cherche Midi Rouge
Summer sipping often leads us down the white and rosé paths, but what about all of the delicious barbecue treats that scream for something a bit more savory? Insert Cherche Midi’s versatile red blend. Produced mostly from Syrah and Grenache, this medium-bodied wine jumps with flavors of dried raspberries, juicy blackberries, rosemary, black pepper, and smoked meats. Pair with all of your favorite grilled meats and veggies, and best of all, no corkscrew necessary (which means this bottle is also great for on-the-go sipping at parks, picnic hangs, and beyond). By the Late-Night Bonfire – 2019 Piazza Carbonic Graciano
Summer nights and chillable reds always promise a good time, especially when a late night campfire is involved. Produced from 100% Graciano, this organically-farmed wine is loaded with poppy flavors of crunchy red fruits, pomegranate, and bing cherry. Refreshing undertones of warm spice and cherry cola lead to a lingering, long-lasting finish. Pair with late-night pizza, Doritos, or really any summer snacks that find their way to the fire pit. For Summer Spritzes – NV Sorelle Bronca Particella 232 Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Brut Nature
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What’s a summer season with copious amounts of Spritzes? We’re firm believers that wine used in cocktails should still be held to a certain level of quality, and this organically-grown Prosecco is the answer to our prayers. Produced from a woman-owned winery in the heart of Veneto’s Valdobbiadene zone, this light, mineral-driven wine is perfect for splashing into your hefty pour of Aperol. On its own, the wine shows flavors of white flowers, wild herbs, and stone fruit, which mesh beautifully with the sweet-bitter notes found in everyone’s favorite orange sipper. Pro tip: Keep a bottle of this on your bar at all times—whether impromptu celebrations, Spritzes, or a simple craving for bubbles calls, this wine will always have your back.
